Host-Parasite Coevolution in Wild Rodents: Dynamics, Mechanisms and Evolutionary Consequences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.373.2583-2093Keywords:
Coevolution, Rodents, Parasites, Immunity, AdaptationAbstract
Host-parasite coevolution is a fundamental evolutionary process wherein hosts and their parasites exert reciprocal selective pressures on each other, driving genetic and phenotypic changes over generations. Wild rodents, due to their ecological ubiquity, rapid reproductive cycles, and genetic variability, serve as ideal systems for studying these coevolutionary dynamics in natural settings. This paper explores the complex interactions between wild rodent species and a diverse array of parasites including protozoa, helminths, ectoparasites, and vector-borne pathogens by analyzing immune gene evolution, patterns of local adaptation, and parasite virulence traits. Using a combination of field studies, molecular genetics, and experimental infections, the research reveals strong evidence of Red Queen dynamics and geographic mosaic coevolution. Findings demonstrate that host immune genes, especially those related to the MHC and innate immune pathways, evolve rapidly in response to regionally distinct parasite populations, while parasites exhibit parallel adaptations to evade or manipulate host defenses. These dynamic and localized evolutionary interactions not only deepen our understanding of coevolutionary theory but also have critical implications for managing zoonotic diseases, as wild rodents often act as reservoirs for pathogens with public health relevance
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