Speciation patterns of ectoparasites and "straggling" lice.
Two competing views have been expressed to explain ectoparasite speciation patterns, one emphasizing co-speciation and one emphasizing host-switching. Though recent authors preferred a combination of these views, the available phylogenetic trees cannot be interpreted without revisiting island biogeography theory. Parasite extinction due to a temporal decline in host population size seems to be a prerequisite of subsequent speciation by host-switch. The need for a re-evaluation of "stragglers" (ectoparasites found on non-specific hosts) is emphasized.
Ròzsa
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Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Science, Budapest, Hungary.
D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D001717:Birds; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008003:Phthiraptera / Q000145:classification*; D010802:Phylogeny; D012376:Rodent Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D012377:Rodentia; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000469:parasitology*