Is a healthy ecosystem one that is rich in parasites?
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Historically, the role of parasites in ecosystem functioning has been considered trivial because a cursory examination reveals that their relative biomass is low compared with that of other trophic groups. However there is increasing evidence that parasite-mediated effects could be significant: they shape host population dynamics, alter interspecific competition, influence energy flow and appear to be important drivers of biodiversity. Indeed they influence a range of ecosystem functions and have a major effect on the structure of some food webs. Here, we consider the bottom-up and top-down processes of how parasitism influences ecosystem functioning and show that there is evidence that parasites are important for biodiversity and production; thus, we consider a healthy system to be one that is rich in parasite species.
Publication type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | Is a healthy ecosystem one that is rich in parasites? |
Series title | Trends in Ecology and Evolution |
DOI | 10.1016/j.tree.2006.04.007 |
Volume | 21 |
Issue | 7 |
Year Published | 2006 |
Language | English |
Publisher | Cell Press |
Contributing office(s) | Western Ecological Research Center |
Description | 5 p. |
First page | 381 |
Last page | 385 |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |