Climate change is causing many changes in ecosystems around the planet. The increase in temperatures changes the distribution area of many species and alters the exchange of DNA, causing genetic and biodiversity exchanges.
Furthermore, the different effects of climate change could cause the extinction of one third of parasite species by 2070. This could seriously alter ecosystems and their ecological balance. How can climate affect ecosystems so much?
Parasites and climate change
An international study published in the journal Science Advances has simultaneously analyzed parasites and non-parasite symbionts. That is, those that are parasites of another animal, taking advantage of its resources and protecting itself and, on the other hand, those that have a mutualistic relationship in which both species win out (for example, the relationship between a lichen and a fungus).
To do this, the authors used a large global database of bird feather mites, which act as “sweepers” for bird feathers. Due to climate change and rising temperatures, natural ecosystems are undergoing unexpected modifications. Thus, parasites are being more threatened than other biological groups. This group of organisms includes worms, tapeworms, worms, fleas, ticks, lice, and other parasites.
Role of parasites in ecosystems
Most of the parasites that we know of can cause some type of disease in humans, livestock and other animals. However, these parasites play a fundamental role in the functioning of ecosystems, since they help control the health of wild populations and maintain the circulation of energy through trophic networks.
Because many parasites have life cycles that involve passing through various host species, the number and diversity of parasites in an ecosystem is used as a bioindicator of health status.
Using climate predictions, the researchers compared what the impact of climate change will be like in various situations over 457 species of parasites. Parasites are more threatened than the species where it is housed.
Furthermore, the most catastrophic climate model predicted that more than a third of species of parasites could disappear by 2070, while the most optimistic models indicated that the loss of species would be 10%.