Back to Search
Start Over
Alternative reproductive strategies in the progenetic trematode Coitocaecum parvum: comparison of selfing and mating worms.
- Source :
-
The Journal of parasitology [J Parasitol] 2005 Feb; Vol. 91 (1), pp. 93-8. - Publication Year :
- 2005
-
Abstract
- The progenetic opecoelid trematode Coitocaecum parvum can reproduce either precociously by selfing in its second intermediate amphipod host or by mating in its normal definitive fish host. In this study, we describe and compare the infection parameters and some life history traits of both egg-producing worms and non-egg producing worms in both their second intermediate and definitive hosts. We showed that 58% of worms start to produce eggs while still in the amphipod. The relative abundance of progenetic worms increased with amphipod size, and egg-producing worms achieved greater size in amphipods than in fish. These 2 findings support the reproductive insurance hypothesis. No difference in size was revealed between eggs produced in the amphipods and those produced in the fish. Although more information is needed to thoroughly assess the respective costs and benefits of selfing and mating in this species, our conclusion is that adopting progenesis may have few, if any, long-term negative consequences for the parasite.
- Subjects :
- Analysis of Variance
Animals
Female
Life Cycle Stages
Male
Reproduction
Trematoda anatomy & histology
Trematoda growth & development
Trematode Infections parasitology
Amphipoda parasitology
Fish Diseases parasitology
Perciformes parasitology
Trematoda physiology
Trematode Infections veterinary
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0022-3395
- Volume :
- 91
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Journal of parasitology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 15856878
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1645/GE-335R