Parasitology, Harold W. Manter Laboratory of
Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
8-1-1992
Citation
Journal of Parasitology (1992) 78(4): 596-600
Abstract
Cestodes of the genus Linstowia, parasitic in marsupials, show patterns of coevolution and ancient historical-ecological connections. Correlated with the breakup of the austral landmasses (Gondwanaland) of the Neotropical and Australian regions from the Antarctic continent, the age of this host-parasite community is estimated to be between 60 and 70 million years old. Based on the data from the survey of parasites of mammals from throughout Bolivia and from the phylogenetic analysis of the cestodes, we urge the planners of biodiversity preserves in the neotropics to consider the Yungas of Bolivia as a region that supports an ancient ecological community worthy of consideration as a biopreserve.
Comments
Copyright 1992, American Society of Parasitologists. Used by permission