Host genetic identity determines parasite community structure across time and space in oyster restoration

Intraspecific variation in host susceptibility to individual parasite species is common, yet how these effects scale to mediate the structure of diverse parasite communities in nature is less well understood. To address this knowledge gap, we tested how host genetic identity affects parasite communi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences Biological sciences, 2023-03, Vol.290 (1995), p.20222560-20222560
Main Authors: Hanley, Torrance C, Grabowski, Jonathan H, Schneider, Eric G, Barrett, Patrick D, Puishys, Lauren M, Spadafore, Rachele, McManus, Gwendolyn, Helt, William S K, Kinney, Heather, Conor McManus, M, Randall Hughes, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Ecology
Ecosystem
Host-Parasite Interactions
Ostreidae
Parasites
Prevalence
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Summary:Intraspecific variation in host susceptibility to individual parasite species is common, yet how these effects scale to mediate the structure of diverse parasite communities in nature is less well understood. To address this knowledge gap, we tested how host genetic identity affects parasite communities on restored reefs seeded with juvenile oysters from different sources-a regional commercial hatchery or one of two wild progenitor lines. We assessed prevalence and intensity of three micro- and two macroparasite species for 4 years following restoration. Despite the spatial proximity of restored reefs, oyster source identity strongly predicted parasite community prevalence across all years, with sources varying in their relative susceptibility to different parasites. Oyster seed source also predicted reef-level parasite intensities across space and through time. Our results highlight that host intraspecific variation can shape parasite community structure in natural systems, and reinforce the importance of considering source identity and diversity in restoration design.
ISSN:0962-8452
1471-2954
DOI:10.1098/rspb.2022.2560