biology - 5c - transmission and viruslence Flashcards
What is transmission?
The spread of a parasite to a host.
What is virulence?
The harm caused to a host species by a parasite.
What are ectoparasites generally transmitted through?
Direct contact.
What are endoparasites of the body tissues often transmitted by?
Vectors or by consumption of intermediate hosts.
What are factors that increase transmission rates?
the overcrowding of hosts when they are at high density
mechanisms, such as vectors and waterborne dispersal stages, that allow the parasite to spread even if infected hosts are incapacitated
How is host behaviour often exploited and modified?
By parasites to maximise transmission.
What is some host behaviour?
Alteration of host foraging, movement, sexual behaviour, habitat choice or anti-predator behaviour.
What does the host behaviour become?
Part of the extended phenotype of the parasite.
What ways do parasites often suppress the host immune system and modify host size and reproductive rate?
In ways that benefit the parasite growth, reproduction or transmission.