A1 Journal article (refereed)
Variation in parasite resistance of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, between and within sympatric morphs (2021)


Karvonen, A., Beck, S. V., Skúlason, S., Kristjánsson, B. K., & Leblanc, C. A. (2021). Variation in parasite resistance of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, between and within sympatric morphs. Ecology and Evolution, 11(20), 14024-14032. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8109


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsKarvonen, Anssi; Beck, Samantha V.; Skúlason, Skúli; Kristjánsson, Bjarni K.; Leblanc, Camille A.

Journal or seriesEcology and Evolution

eISSN2045-7758

Publication year2021

Publication date14/09/2021

Volume11

Issue number20

Pages range14024-14032

PublisherWiley-Blackwell

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8109

Research data linkhttps://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.bvq83bk95

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessOpen Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77881


Abstract

Genetic variation in resistance against parasite infections is a predominant feature in host–parasite systems. However, mechanisms maintaining genetic polymorphism in resistance in natural host populations are generally poorly known. We explored whether differences in natural infection pressure between resource-based morphs of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) have resulted in differentiation in resistance profiles. We experimentally exposed offspring of two morphs from Lake Þingvallavatn (Iceland), the pelagic planktivorous charr (“murta”) and the large benthivorous charr (“kuðungableikja”), to their common parasite, eye fluke Diplostomum baeri, infecting the eye humor. We found that there were no differences in resistance between the morphs, but clear differences among families within each morph. Moreover, we found suggestive evidence of resistance of offspring within families being positively correlated with the parasite load of the father, but not with that of the mother. Our results suggest that the inherited basis of parasite resistance in this system is likely to be related to variation among host individuals within each morph rather than ecological factors driving divergent resistance profiles at morph level. Overall, this may have implications for evolution of resistance through processes such as sexual selection.


Keywordsvariation (biology)genetic variationresistance (medicine)parasitismparasitestrematodaarctic char

Free keywordsadaptive radiation; breeding coloration; freshwater fish ecotype; host– parasite interaction; immunogenes; speciation; trematode


Contributing organizations


Related projects


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2021

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-26-03 at 20:56