University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Meghan Duffy, Assistant Professor, School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology

Food web influences on host-parasite interactions

Abstract:

Parasites are ubiquitous and, as a result, have been the focus of extensive study. Traditionally, studies have focused on host-parasite interactions in isolation. Yet, we know that host-parasite interactions are embedded within a larger food web, and that being embedded within this network has the potential to strongly influence host-parasite interactions. My seminar will focus on three ways in which food webs influence host-parasite interactions. First, I will show that ecological context can alter epidemic size which, in turn, can affect parasite-driven evolution of hosts. Second, I will show that predators can have strong trait-mediated indirect effects on disease spread. Third, I will analyze patterns of multihost and multiparasite interactions in zooplankton.

Host: Professor Annette Ostling

Coffee and cookies served at 4 p.m.