Unit 2 - Topic 5 - Parasitism - Section C - Transmission and Virulence Flashcards
What is transmission
The spread of a parasite to a host
What is virulence
The harm caused to a host species by a parasite
How are ectoparasites generally transmitted
Through direct contact
How are endoparasites of the body tissues often transmitted
By vectors or by consumption of intermediate hosts
What are factors that increase transmission rate
Overcrowding of host when they are at high density, and mechanisms, such as vectors and waterborne dispersal stages, that allow the parasite to spread even if infected hosts are incapacitated
How can host behaviour be effect by parasites
Host behaviour is often exploited and modified by parasites to maximise transmission
Examples of modifications to host behaviour include
Alteration of host foraging, movement, sexual behaviour, habitat choice or anti-predator behaviour.
What becomes part of the extended phenotype of the parasite
Host behaviour
What do parasites often do to the host that benefit the parasites growth, reproduction or transmission
Suppress the host immune system and modify host size and reproductive rate
