Parasitism: the diversity and ecology of animal parasites

TLDR

Recent advances in parasite systematics, biodiversity, and life cycles are integrated into a synthesis of the ecology and evolution of animal parasites. The book aims to equip new parasitology students by blending traditional and modern approaches through ecological principles to explain parasitism. The authors employ a framework of ecological principles, illustrated with over 250 figures and case study boxes, to depict parasite complexity and diversity. This approach successfully encourages students from diverse backgrounds to think conceptually about parasites and parasitism.

Abstract

Reflecting the enormous advances made in the field over the past ten years, this text synthesizes the latest developments in the ecology and evolution of animal parasites against a backdrop of parallel advances in parasite systematics, biodiversity and life cycles. This second edition has been thoroughly revised to meet the needs of a new generation of parasitology students. Balancing traditional approaches in parasitology with modern studies in parasite ecology and evolution, the authors present basic ecological principles as a unifying framework to help students understand the complex phenomenon of parasitism. Richly illustrated with over 250 figures, the text is accompanied by case study boxes designed to help students appreciate the complexity and diversity of parasites and the scientists who study them. This unique approach, presented clearly and with a minimum of jargon and mathematical detail, encourages students from diverse backgrounds to think generally and conceptually about parasites and parasitism.