Parasites as probes for biodiversity

S. L. Gardner, M. L. Campbell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cestodes of the genus Linstowia, parasitic in marsupials, show patterns of coevolution and ancient historical-ecological connections. Correlated with the breakup of the austral landmasses (Gondwanaland) of the Neotropical and Australian regions from the Antarctic continent, the age of this host- parasite community is estimated to be between 60 and 70 million years old. Based on the data from the survey of parasites of mammals from throughout Bolivia and from the phylogenetic analysis of the cestodes, we urge the planners of biodiversity preserves in the neotropics to consider the Yungas of Bolivia as a region that supports an ancient ecological community worthy of consideration as a biopreserve.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)596-600
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Parasitology
Volume78
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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