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Host and parasite morphology influence congruence between host and parasite phylogenies
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Host and parasite morphology influence congruence between host and parasite phylogenies

Andrew D. Sweet, Sarah E. Bush, Daniel R. Gustafsson, Julie M. Allen, Emily DiBlasi, Heather R. Skeen, Jason D. Weckstein and Kevin P. Johnson
International journal for parasitology, v 48(8), pp 641-648
01 Jul 2018
PMID: 29577890
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.01.007View
Accepted (AM)Maybe Open Access (Publisher Bronze) Open

Abstract

Life Sciences & Biomedicine Parasitology Science & Technology
Comparisons of host and parasite phylogenies often show varying degrees of phylogenetic congruence. However, few studies have rigorously explored the factors driving this variation. Multiple factors such as host or parasite morphology may govern the degree of phylogenetic congruence. An ideal analysis for understanding the factors correlated with congruence would focus on a diverse host-parasite system for increased variation and statistical power. In this study, we focused on the Brueelia-complex, a diverse and widespread group of feather lice that primarily parasitise songbirds. We generated a molecular phylogeny of the lice and compared this tree with a phylogeny of their avian hosts. We also tested for the contribution of each host-parasite association to the overall congruence. The two trees overall were significantly congruent, but the contribution of individual associations to this congruence varied. To understand this variation, we developed a novel approach to test whether host, parasite or biogeographic factors were statistically associated with patterns of congruence. Both host plumage dimorphism and parasite ecomorphology were associated with patterns of congruence, whereas host body size, other plumage traits and biogeography were not. Our results lay the framework for future studies to further elucidate how these factors influence the process of host-parasite coevolution. (C) 2018 Australian Society for Parasitology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Parasitology
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