Background Invasive parasites are a major threat to island populations of animals. Darwin's
finches of the Galápagos Islands are under attack by introduced pox virus (Poxvirus avium) …

Ecological immunology aims to explain variation among hosts in the strength and efficacy of
immunological defenses. However, a shortcoming has been the failure to link host immune …

The evolution of parasite resistance can be influenced by the abundance of parasites in the
environment. However, it is yet unresolved whether vertebrates change their investment in …

Introduced parasites threaten native host species that lack effective defenses. Such
parasites increase the risk of extinction, particularly in small host populations like those on …

Passerine birds, especially during the breeding season and nestling development, are
exposed to an array of hematophagous ectoparasites. Although the direct consequences of …

Introduced disease has been implicated in recent wildlife extinctions and population
declines worldwide. Both anthropogenic‐induced change and natural environmental …

Background Introduced parasites are a particular threat to small populations of hosts living
on islands because extinction can occur before hosts have a chance to evolve effective …

Introduced parasites and pathogens have colonized the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador. For
example, a parasitic nest fly, Philornis downsi, was introduced to the Galápagos and has …

Parasites can cause significant damage to their hosts. Hosts can reduce the damage that
parasites cause by either resisting parasites (eg, with an immune response) or tolerating …

Contrasting ecological conditions may affect the distribution, abundance and impact of
parasites and predators throughout the ranges of hosts and prey. Such patterns are evident …