Functional and Evolutionary Ecology of Fleas: A Model for Ecological Parasitology

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Boris R. Krasnov (Dr, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel)

Functional and Evolutionary Ecology of Fleas

A Model for Ecological Parasitology

Boris R. Krasnov (Dr, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel)

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English

Cambridge University Press
08 May 2008

Parasitology (non-medical); Animal ecology; Insects (entomology)

Fleas are one of the most interesting and fascinating taxa of ectoparasites. All species in this relatively small order are obligatory haematophagous (blood-feeding) parasites of higher vertebrates. This book examines how functional, ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes of host-parasite relationships are realized in this particular system. As such it provides an in-depth case study of a host-parasite system, demonstrating how fleas can be used as a model taxon for testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses. The book moves from basic descriptive aspects, to functional issues and finally to evolutionary explanations. It extracts several general principles that apply equally well to other host-parasite systems, so it appeals not only to flea biologists but also to 'mainstream' parasitologists and ecologists.

By: Boris R. Krasnov (Dr Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Israel)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 253mm, Width: 179mm, Spine: 32mm
Weight: 1.330kg
ISBN: 9780521882774
ISBN 10: 052188277X
Pages: 610
Publication Date: 08 May 2008
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Preface; Part I. Brief Descriptive Ecology - What Do Fleas Do?: 1. Composition of the order; 2. Hosts of Siphonaptera; 3. Geographic distribution of fleas; 4. Origin and evolution of fleas; 5. Life cycles; 6. Fleas and Humanity; Part II. Functional Ecology - How Do Fleas Do What They Do?: 7. Ecology of sexual dimorphism, gender differences, and sex ratio; 8. Ecology of flea locomotion; 9. Ecology of host selection; 10. Ecology of haematophagy; 11. Ecology of reproduction and pre-imaginal development; 12. Ecology of flea virulence; 13. Ecology of host defence; Part III. Evolutionary Ecology: Why Do Fleas Do What They Do?: 14. Ecology and evolution of host specificity; 15. Ecology of flea populations; 16. Ecology of flea communities; 17. Patterns of flea diversity; 18. Fleas, hosts, habitats; 19. What further efforts are needed?; References; Index.

Professor Boris Krasnov graduated from Moscow State University in Russia. He is now working at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel and studies host-parasite relationships using mammal-ectoparasite associations as model systems.

Reviews for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology of Fleas: A Model for Ecological Parasitology

'The clear structure and exceptionally fine style of writing in this volume should attract a much wider range of readers than might initially be expected from its title. The book is very definitely up to scratch.' Bulletin of the British Ecological Society 'Some readers may gain most from the early, descriptive chapters of this Olympian review, on aspects such as the obligate blood feeding on higher vertebrates that defines the flea taxon. Others will find both illumination and stimulation in the later essays on various aspects of fleas' functional and evolutionary ecology. The subtitles of these two sections - 'How do fleas do what they do?' and 'Why do fleas do what they do?' - admirably illustrate the unstuffy clarity of the writing, commending the book to students and advanced researchers alike.' Biologist '... provides an in-depth case study of a host-parasite system, demonstrating how fleas can be used as a model taxon for testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses. ... It extracts several general principals that apply equally well to other host-parasite systems, so will appeal not only to flea biologists but also to mainstream parasitologists and ecologists.' www.cabi.org