a biologist thinks that over time a parasite can influence the evolution of its host species. do you think she is right? justify your answer.

Question

Biology

Stanley Johnson

5 June, 20:23

a biologist thinks that over time a parasite can influence the evolution of its host species. do you think she is right? justify your answer.

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Vaughn Conley · Answer 1

She's right

Explanation:

A parasite is an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.

A parasite depends on its host for survival and rarely kills its host. Parasites are usually smaller than its host.

However, over time, parasites can influence the evolution of its host species as a consequence of its effect on the hosts' nutrition.

Certain hosts may depend on that particular nutrition for a number of functions which may include reproductive, behavioral, social and its overall health. When there is an alteration in any of these functions, for example, reproductive function, the host is affected. Over time an evolutionary change have to occur to protect the hosts' species.

Some parasites tend to reduce the overall health of the hosts which in turn tend to make their hosts prey to predators. For example, infected antelopes might not be fast enough to evade lions, or infected lions might not be fast enough to catch antelopes. Depending on the frequency of the infection, overtime, an evolutionary change would happen.