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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/72028
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Ecomorphology and disease: cryptic effects of parasitism on host habitat use, thermoregulation, and predator avoidance |
Author: | Goodman, B. Johnson, P. |
Citation: | Ecology, 2011; 92(3):542-548 |
Publisher: | Ecological Soc Amer |
Issue Date: | 2011 |
ISSN: | 0012-9658 1939-9170 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Brett A. Goodman and Pieter T. J. Johnson |
Abstract: | Parasites can cause dramatic changes in the phenotypes of their hosts, sometimes leading to a higher probability of predation and parasite transmission. Because an organism's morphology directly affects its locomotion, even subtle changes in key morphological traits may affect survival and behavior. However, despite the ubiquity of parasites in natural communities, few studies have incorporated parasites into ecomorphological research. Here, we evaluated the effects of parasite-induced changes in host phenotype on the habitat use, thermal biology, and simulated predator-escape ability of Pacific chorus frogs (Pseudacris regilla) in natural environments. Frogs with parasite-induced limb malformations were more likely to use ground microhabitats relative to vertical refugia and selected less-angled perches closer to the ground in comparison with normal frogs. Although both groups had similar levels of infection, malformed frogs used warmer microhabitats, which resulted in higher body temperatures. Likely as a result of their morphological abnormalities, malformed frogs allowed a simulated predator to approach closer before escaping and escaped shorter distances relative to normal frogs. These data indicate that parasite-induced morphological changes can significantly alter host behavior and habitat use, highlighting the importance of incorporating the ubiquitous, albeit cryptic, role of parasites into ecomorphological research. |
Keywords: | habitat use malformation parasite manipulation performance physiology thermal biology. |
Rights: | © 2011 by the Ecological Society of America |
DOI: | 10.1890/10-0516.1 |
Published version: | http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/10-0516.1 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest Earth and Environmental Sciences publications |
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