Does thermal ecology influence dynamics of side-blotched lizards and their micro-parasites?

摘要: Hosts and parasites form interacting populations that influence each other in multiple ways. Their dynamics can also be influenced by environmental ecological factors. We studied host-parasite a previously unexplored study system: side-blotched lizards their micro-parasites. Compared with uninfected lizards, the infected elected to bask at lower temperatures were outside range of preferred temperatures. Infected not as precise maintaining body within narrow range. At scale, areas higher infection rates coincided more thermally heterogeneous microhabitats well where tended live longer. Thermal heterogeneity lizards' may provide important clues spatial temporal distribution infections.