Niche construction consequences of parasite virulence in eco-evolutionary dynamics (C05*)

• Subject Area: Evolution, Anthropology ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316099922

During infection, parasites construct their niches by altering their hosts’ physiology, morphology, and behaviour. By doing so, parasites can have far-reaching ecological and evolutionary effects. In this project, we will integrate computational models and experiments with three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and their trophically transmitted tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus to investigate the widespread ecological and evolutionary effects of parasites from individuals to ecosystems. This work will push the research boundaries in host-parasite interactions by illustrating how parasite traits drive host niche individualisation and shape eco-evolutionary dynamics.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 212: A Novel Synthesis of Individualisation across Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution: Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche Construction (NC3)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bielefeld
• Project Heads: Dr. Jaime M. Anaya-Rojas; Professor Dr. Joachim Kurtz