Some effects of the cestode (Schistocephalus solidus) on reproduction in the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus): evolutionary aspects of a host–parasite interaction
| Autor: | J. D. McPhail, S. D. Peacock |
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| Rok vydání: | 1983 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Canadian Journal of Zoology. 61:901-908 |
| ISSN: | 1480-3283 0008-4301 |
| DOI: | 10.1139/z83-118 |
| Popis: | Monthly samples of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were collected from May through September 1975 from Fuller Lake, Vancouver Island. A total of 2175 adult sticklebacks were collected from 10 trap sites located at depths ranging from 0.25 to 5 m. These samples were assayed for length, weight, sex, state of maturity, and egg number (when applicable). In addition, we recorded the number and weight of the plerocercoids of a cestode tapeworm (Schistocephalus solidus) often found in the abdominal cavities of sticklebacks. The purpose of the study was to document the effects of Schistocephalus on reproduction in Gasterosteus. Stickleback spawning reached a peak in June and declined sharply through July and August. Over the entire breeding season, less than 5% of the gravid females were infected with Schistocephalus, whereas over 40% of the sexually mature but nongravid females were infected. There was no difference between breeding and nonbreeding males in the prevalence of Schistocephalus. In both sexes, the prevalence and severity of Schistocephalus infection were low in May, June, and July but increased sharply through August and September. Since the majority of Fuller Lake sticklebacks live for 1 year, the major adverse effects of Schistocephalus were confined to postreproductive adults. We hypothesize that Schistocephalus plerocercoids have been selected to delay adverse effects on their host until after the host has reproduced. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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