Parasite Communities: Patterns and Processes - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0412335409 ISBN 13: 9780412335402

Publisher: Chapman and Hall, 1989

Synopsis

We first discussed the possibility of organizing a symposium on helminth communities in June, 1986. At that time, we were engaged in writing a joint paper on potential structuring mechanisms in helminth communities; we disagreed on a number of issues. We felt the reason for such debate was because the discipline was in a great state of flux, with many new concepts and approaches being introduced with increasing frequency. After consider- able discussion about the need, scope and the inevitable limitations of such a symposium, we decided that the time was ripe to bring other ecologists, engaged in similar research, face-to-face. There were many individuals from whom to choose; we selected those who were actively publishing on helminth communities or those who had expertise in areas which we felt were particularly appropriate. We compiled a list of potential participants, contacted them and received unanimous support to organize such a symposium. Our intent was to cover several broad areas, fully recognizing that breadth negates depth (at least with a publisher's limitation on the number of pages). We felt it important to consider patterns amongst different kinds of hosts because this is where we had disagreed among ourselves.

About this title

Synopsis

A book of essential information on parasitic helminth communities for all those involved and interested in parasitology and community ecology. It examines a wide range of vertebrate and molluscan hosts, and includes a combination of literature review plus substantial new data. Until recently the potential role of parasitic systems as models for understanding patterns and processes in community ecology has not been fully explored. This book assesses current perspectives in this field where much new knowledge is being introduced with increasing frequency. Taking examples from many hosts including molluscs, marine and freshwater fish, amphibia, reptiles, birds and mammals, this book shows how parasitic communities are influenced by a multitude of biotic and abiotic factors. It examines how these factors affect the transmission dynamics of helminth parasites and provides models for multi-species parasite-host communities.

Edition details

• Publisher: Chapman and Hall
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0412335409
• ISBN 13: 9780412335402
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 335
• Editor: Esch Gerald W.