Dan Benesh: The evolution of complex parasite life cycles
- Datum: 21.09.2016
- Uhrzeit: 16:00 - 17:00
- Ort: MPI Plön
- Raum: Hörsaal
- Gastgeber: Manfred Milinski
Abstract (auf Englisch):
Parasitic worms can have spectacularly bizarre
life cycles.Complex parasite life cycles, in which multiple hosts are
infected insuccession, are puzzling, because at each step of the cycle
parasites risk notbeing transmitted to their next host. Yet, complex
life cyclesare the rule among parasitic worms. I will discuss why
parasites might benefitfrom adding hosts into their life cycle. I will
also talk about ways parasitesimprove the chances of completing their
life cycles, such by manipulating theirhosts and by optimizing their
life history strategy.