Abstract
Adaptive sex ratio theory explains why gametocyte sex ratios are female-biased in many populations of api-complexan parasites such as Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma. Recently, Ferguson has criticized this framework and proposed two alternative explanations - one for vector-borne parasites (e.g. Plasmodium) and one for Toxoplasma. Ferguson raises some interesting issues that certainly deserve more empirical attention. However, it should be pointed out that: (1) there are theoretical and empirical problems for his alternative hypotheses; and (2) existing empirical data support the application of sex ratio theory to these parasites, not its rejection.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 155-157 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Trends in Parasitology |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2003 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- PARASITES
- MALARIA
- RATIOS