Coevolution Effect Hypothesis Explains Link between Habitat Loss and Emergence of Infectious Disease (IMAGE)
Caption
Auburn researchers have published a new hypothesis, the coevolution effect, that could provide the foundation for new scientific studies looking into the association of habitat loss and the global emergence of infectious diseases. The image shows: Within forest fragments (green shapes), parasites and hosts coevolve, shifting genetic diversity of disease-causing microbes (viral particles in each fragment). Therefore, across a fragmented landscape, an increase in pathogen diversity (viral particles of different colors in the center) is observed. When combined with vectors like ticks and mosquitoes that can move these viral particles out of forest fragments, the probability that one may lead to an emerging infectious disease in human populations increases.
Credit
Sarah Zohdy, Jamie Oaks and Tonia Schwartz
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