Functional and Evolutionary Ecology of Fleas: A Model for Ecological Parasitology - Hardcover

Boris R. Krasnov

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052188277X ISBN 13: 9780521882774

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Fleas are one of the most interesting and fascinating taxa of ectoparasites. All species in this relatively small order are obligatory haematophagous (blood-feeding) parasites of higher vertebrates. This book examines how functional, ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes of host-parasite relationships are realized in this particular system. As such it provides an in-depth case study of a host-parasite system, demonstrating how fleas can be used as a model taxon for testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses. The book moves from basic descriptive aspects, to functional issues and finally to evolutionary explanations. It extracts several general principles that apply equally well to other host-parasite systems, so it appeals not only to flea biologists but also to 'mainstream' parasitologists and ecologists.

About this title

About the Author

Professor Boris Krasnov graduated from Moscow State University in Russia. He is now working at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel and studies host-parasite relationships using mammal-ectoparasite associations as model systems.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052188277X
• ISBN 13: 9780521882774
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 608