macroevolutionary mosaic: episodic host-switching, geographical colonization and diversification in complex host-parasite systems

• Published in: Journal of biogeography 2008-09, Vol.35 (9), p.1533-1550
• Main Authors: Hoberg, Eric P., Brooks, Daniel R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biogeography; biographies; Biological and medical sciences; Ecological fitting; ecological function; Ecological genetics; episodic host-switching; Evolution; Fauna; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; geographical colonization; geographical distribution; historical biogeography; host preferences; host-parasite relationships; hosts; literature reviews; Marine ecology; meta-analysis; oscillation hypothesis; parasite diversification; Parasite hosts; Parasites; Parasitology; Phylogeny; Special Paper; Species extinction; Synecology; taxon pulse hypothesis
• ISSN: 0305-0270; 1365-2699
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2008.01951.x

To integrate ecological fitting, the oscillation hypothesis and the taxon pulse hypothesis into a coherent null model for the evolution of complex host-parasite associations. Global. This paper reviews and synthesizes literature that focuses on phylogenetic analyses and reciprocal mapping of a model system of hosts and their parasites to determine patterns of host-parasite associations and geographical distributions through time. Host-switching and geographical dispersal of parasites are common phenomena, occurring on many temporal and spatial scales. Diversification involving both co-evolution and colonization explains complex host-parasite associations. Across the expanse of Earth history, the major radiations in host-parasite assemblages have been preceded by ecological disruption, ecological breakdown and host-switching in a context that can be defined by the concept of ecological fitting. This cyclical process sets the stage for co-diversification during periods of relative stability, punctuated by host-switching during episodes of regional to global environmental disruption and climatological change. Most observed host-parasite associations can be explained by an historical interaction between ecological fitting, oscillation (episodes of increasing host range alternating with isolation on particular hosts) and taxon pulses (cyclical episodes of expansion and isolation in geographical range). Major episodes of environmental change appear to be the main drivers for both the persistence and diversification of host-parasite systems, creating opportunities for host-switching during periods of geographical expansion and allowing for co-evolution and co-speciation during periods of geographical isolation.