XIX.6.1 Inducing morphological changes is a common type of intervention in the host phenotype

The formation of galls in plants is an example of morphological changes induced by a parasite; these are frequently complex and large shapes that are formed as a result of the action of growth hormones produced by the larvae of gall-flies or other insects.Amongst animal parasites, mention can be made of flukes of the  Leucochloridium genus, which insert a protuberance into the antennae of the attacked snail and form a conspicuous coloured (and pulsating) organ that easily attracts the attention of the definitive host of the fluke – a bird looking for food (Lewis 1974; Rennie 1992).

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The classical Darwinian theory of evolution can explain the evolution of adaptive traits only in asexual organisms. The frozen plasticity theory is much more general: It can also explain the origin and evolution of adaptive traits in both asexual and sexual organisms Read more
Draft translation from: Evoluční biologie, 2. vydání (Evolutionary biology, 2nd edition), J. Flegr, Academia Prague 2009. The translation was not done by biologist, therefore any suggestion concerning proper scientific terminology and language usage are highly welcomed. You can send your comments to flegratcesnet [dot] cz. Thank you.