Chapter 13, Problem 1PDT

Summary Introduction

To explain: In what way the occurrence of another parasite species affects the coevolution between a host and a specialized parasite.

Introduction: Species are categorized separately on the basis of natural selection that determines the adaptability rate of an organism for the purpose of evolution. The process of coevolution is defined as the reciprocal genetic variations in between the communicating species, which is selected by the natural selection and is imposed by each of them on another.

Explanation of Solution

The interaction of a parasite with its host can serve the purpose of daily activities. It can be the nutrition based (resource), for the sake of acquiring better shelter and resources (competitors), they can be the enemies of each other (like parasites or predators) or can simply work together in the benefit of each other (mutualism or symbionts). The coevolution refers to the context of at least two species that are mutually dependent on each other.

There is a concept of “diffuse coevolution” which lies under the category of the term “coevolution”. The possibility of exact two species is not the only case in coevolution, the interaction of several species to the group of some another species are considered under “diffuse coevolution”. The occurrence of another parasite influences the previous present host and parasite interactions by being the competitor in their way. The resources will be the limiting factor after the interaction of another parasite species.

For example in the case of prey interaction with a number of predators, the prey species evolved and became better defendant against the predators and acquire certain characteristics that will help them to win the race of life before the predator captures them.