In-Depth Notes on Extended Phenotypes and Parasite Manipulation

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to extended phenotypes and parasite-host interactions from the lecture notes.

Phenotype

Any observable characteristic or trait of an organism, including morphology, physiology, and behavior.

Z = G + E

A formula representing that phenotype (Z) is the result of genetic (G) and environmental (E) influences.

Extended Phenotype

The phenotypic expression of a gene that can exist outside the cell in which the gene exerts its influence.

Host Manipulation

Behavioral or physiological changes in a host organism induced by a parasite to increase its fitness.

Toxoplasma gondii

A parasite that can manipulate the behavior of infected rodents, making them more active and less fearful.

Fitness (R0)

The number of new infections generated by a single infected individual in a fully susceptible population.

Bower Building

A trait in some male birds where they construct elaborate structures to attract mates, subject to natural selection.

Adaptive Traits

Characteristics that confer a fitness benefit to either the parasite or the host, promoting natural selection.

Cysts in Rodents

Accumulation of cysts in the brains of rodent hosts infected with Toxoplasma gondii, correlated with behavioral changes.

Zombie Ants

Ants infected by fungi that exhibit specific behaviors, such as death grips, to facilitate fungal transmission.

Bloodmeal-seeking Behavior

The behavior of mosquitoes seeking a blood meal, which can be altered by exposure to malaria parasites.

Behavioural Manipulation by Parasites

Changes in host behavior caused by parasites to enhance their own transmission.

Ant Death Grips

Behavior exhibited by ants infected with fungi, leading them to grip vegetation and enhance spore dispersal.

Malaria Parasites

Parasites that manipulate mosquito feeding and host attractiveness during infection.

Altered Host Attractiveness

Changes in host odor or appearance that affect the attractiveness to vectors like mosquitoes.

Heat-Killed E. coli Experiment

An experimental setup to determine if mosquito feeding behavior change is due to malaria infection specifically.

Specifically Adapted Traits

Traits that occur only in the presence of the parasite and correlate with parasitic presence.

Dawkins 1999

A reference to Richard Dawkins' work discussing evolutionary biology and the concept of extended phenotypes.

Coincidental By-product

A trait that arises as a byproduct of infection rather than as an adaptation of the parasite or host.

Comparative Analyses

Studies that compare different species or contexts to draw conclusions about adaptations and behaviors.

Fungal Infections in Ants

Infections that lead to dramatic behavioral changes in ants, enhancing spore release for fungal reproduction.

Cat Urine Attraction in Rodents

The behavior exhibited by Toxoplasma gondii-infected rodents causing them to seek cat urine.

Neural Activity in Amygdala

Infected mice demonstrate altered neural activity associated with reproductive behavior when exposed to cat urine.

Specificity of Behavioural Manipulation

The degree to which a behavioral change is unique to the presence of a specific parasite.

Selection for Traits

The process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to their beneficial effects on fitness.

Cyst Accumulation Timing

The timeframe over which cysts build up in infected hosts, influencing their behavior and resulting parasite fitness.

Parasite Adaptation Questions

Important questions to consider when evaluating if a trait is an adaptation of a parasite.

Viral Manipulation of Vectors

The strategy employed by some parasites to change the behavior of their vectors to enhance transmission.

Implications for Treatment

Understanding whether adaptations benefit parasites or hosts can guide therapeutic approaches.

Experimental Evidence

Data gathered from experiments that can affirm or refute claims of parasitic behavioral manipulation.

Transmission to New Hosts

The process by which parasites move from one host to another, reliant on host behavior changes.

Costs and Benefits of Manipulation

Evaluation of what advantages or disadvantages an induced behavior may have for both parasite and host.

Infectious Forms (Gametocytes)

The transmissible life cycle stages of malaria parasites that attract more vectors.

Data Quality in Adaptation Studies

The need for high-quality data to establish reliable claims regarding parasite adaptations.

Mosquito Feeding Behaviour Changes

Variations in feeding patterns of mosquitoes based on exposure to parasites or non-infectious agents.

Experimental Scrutiny

The rigorous testing and evaluation of claims regarding manipulated behaviors in infected hosts.

Eradication Strategies

Plans to control or eliminate parasite populations based on understanding of their adaptive behaviors.

Ted Talks and Videos

Resources that provide further insight into the fascinating world of parasite-induced behaviors.