LTREB: A Long-Term Study of Host-Parasite Interactions

Indiana University, Bloomington IN

Investigators

Abstract

Intellectual merit. The long-term maintenance of genetic diversity in natural populations is widely regarded as one of the most interesting challenges for biologists. The parasite hypothesis predicts that parasites and pathogens will evolve to infect common host genotypes disproportionately, thereby resulting in the long-term maintenance of genetic variation. The parasite hypothesis will be tested using long-term surveys in conjunction with a series of laboratory infection experiments focused on a diverse population of freshwater snails and their parasitic worms. The results will be of broad interest to ecologists, parasitologists, and conservation geneticists. Broader impacts. This study system has brought together an international group of scientists and students. As in the past, these investigators will continue to train undergraduates in the basic ideas surrounding host-parasite coevolution and the maintenance of genetic variation; every effort will be made to attract undergraduate students from under-represented groups and to give them hands on experience in research. Previous results from this system have been used in textbooks, television shows, and radio programs. Because the basic ideas surrounding host-parasite coevolution are generally very accessible, they are nicely suited for educational purposes. They also have important ramifications for conservation biology, agricultural practices, and disease ecology.