The ecology of host--parasite interactions - PubMed (original) (raw)
Review
. 1989;73(289 Pt 1):67-79.
- PMID: 2658049
Review
The ecology of host--parasite interactions
R D Gregory et al. Sci Prog. 1989.
Abstract
In their attempts to explain observed patterns in population dynamics and community structure, ecologists have, until recently, been preoccupied with the effects of predation and competition. An increasing number of new studies, however, highlight the role of parasites (broadly defined to include viruses, bacteria, protozoans, helminths and arthropods) in determining both the abundance and distribution of animal species. This review outlines theoretical advances that have been made in this area and presents field and laboratory evidence for the importance of parasites in community ecology.