Parasite-Induced Host Phenotype Modifications

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Questions and Answers

According to the adaptive host manipulation hypothesis, what is the primary reason parasites induce modifications in host phenotypes?

To maximize the parasite's fitness. (correct)
To provide the host with better camouflage.
To ensure the host's reproductive success.
To decrease the host's lifespan.

In the context of trophically transmitted parasites, how does the manipulation of an intermediate host (IH) by a parasite typically benefit the parasite?

By decreasing the intermediate host's mobility.
By increasing the intermediate host's resistance to predators.
By increasing the probability of predation by the definitive host (DH). (correct)
By reducing the competition for resources among intermediate hosts.

For parasites that need their host to move to a different habitat for the parasite (or its propagules) to exit, what kind of manipulation is most likely to occur?

Enhancing the host's immune response to fight off other infections.
Suppressing the host's reproductive capabilities.
Causing the host to seek out specific resources in a new environment. (correct)
Decreasing the host's appetite to conserve energy.

How does the manipulation of a vector benefit vector-borne parasites?

By causing the vector to visit more hosts, facilitating parasite transmission. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of parasitoids that pupate on external substrates, how might manipulation alter the host's behavior?

By altering the host's behavior to protect the parasite pupae from predators. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key factor influencing the evolution of host manipulation by parasites?

Coevolution between hosts and parasites. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the concept of manipulation sensu stricto, what is the primary focus when studying parasite-host interactions?

Describing the direct influence exerted by a parasite on its host to enhance the parasite's transmission or survival. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'mafia-like strategy' manifest in parasite-host interactions?

By the parasite coercing or manipulating the host into compliance rather than facing resistance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of parasitic infections, what does a 'host compensatory response' refer to?

The alterations in a host's behavior, physiology, or other traits caused by the host's own response to the infection, which may indirectly benefit the parasite. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do parasites modify host behavior to increase their transmission?

By altering the host's behavior to become more vulnerable to predation by the parasite's next host. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of morphological manipulation by parasites on their hosts?

Impaired locomotor performance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do parasites use physiological manipulation on their hosts?

By imposing negative effects on the host's physiology. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do trade-offs play in the evolution of host manipulation?

Trade-offs limit the extent to which parasites can manipulate hosts due to associated costs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does 'host specificity' influence the evolution of host manipulation?

Host specificity impacts the type and effectiveness of manipulation strategies that can evolve. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why can host manipulation evolve relatively rapidly?

Due to the short generation times of many parasites. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of 'behavioral manipulation' by parasites?

Modifications of host behavior to increase parasite transmission. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What broader ecological role might heavily parasitized hosts play within their ecosystem?

They can become a more reliable food source for predators. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most directly contributes to the 'coevolutionary arms race' between hosts and parasites?

The constant adaptation of hosts to resist manipulation, and parasites to improve it.. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary goal of investigating host manipulation from an ecological perspective?

To understand the long-term impacts on community structure & ecosystem functions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do genetic diversity within parasite populations affect host manipulation?

It provides a pool of potential traits that may enhance host manipulation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do environmental factors influence the selection pressures acting on parasites and their hosts?

Environmental factors can influence the selection pressures acting on parasites and hosts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential negative consequence of host manipulation for the host organism?

Decreased chances of survival and reproduction. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the Red Queen Hypothesis?

A hypothesis stating that organisms must constantly adapt to survive because other organisms are also evolving. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to view host manipulation as a multidimensional phenomenon?

Host manipulation involves many different factors, such as behavioral and morphological manipulation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How might parasites influence the nutrient cycle within an ecosystem?

By altering the feeding behavior and energy allocation of hosts, thereby influencing ecosystem nutrient cycling. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can morphological manipulation affect the way energy flows through an ecosystem?

Morphological manipulation can lead to impaired defense mechanisms, therefore increasing energy flow through predation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does rapid evolution have in host manipulation?

Host manipulation can evolve relatively rapidly due to the short generation times of many parasites. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why should a scientist utilize the concept of host compensatory response?

Compensatory response may lead to alterations in behavior, physiology or other traits, which can indirectly benefit the parasite. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When we are looking at the concept of behavioral manipulation what can we analyze?

Modifications of host behavior to increase parasite transmission. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of trophically transmitted parasites, which of the following is a likely outcome of host manipulation?

The intermediate host exhibits altered behavior that makes it more susceptible to predation by the definitive host. (A) Signup and view all the answers

For parasites that depend on vectors for transmission, what is the most common form of host manipulation?

Altering the vector's behavior to increase its contact rate with susceptible hosts. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do parasites alter the morphology of their hosts in order to benefit?

Impairing the host's locomotor performance to facilitate transmission. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Adaptive Host Manipulation

Hypothesis stating that parasites induce host phenotype modifications to maximize their own fitness.

Trophic Transmission Manipulation

The behavior or appearance of the intermediate host is manipulated to increase the likelihood of transmission to the definitive host through predation.

Habitat Alteration Manipulation

Parasites manipulate hosts to move to a different, more suitable habitat to facilitate their exit or release of propagules.

Vector-borne Manipulation

Vector-borne parasites manipulate vectors to visit more hosts, increasing transmission opportunities.