Infectious Disease, Endangerment, and Extinction. (16th January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: MacPhee, Ross D. E.; Greenwood, Alex D.
• Other Names: Boissinot Stephane Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of evolutionary biology. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-01-16
• Subjects: Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; Biological Evolution; Biological Phenomena; Evolution (Biology); Electronic journals; Periodical; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Periodicals; 576.805
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/571939
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8032

Abstract

Abstract : Infectious disease, especially virulent infectious disease, is commonly regarded as a cause of fluctuation or decline in biological populations. However, it is not generally considered as a primary factor in causing the actual endangerment or extinction of species. We review here the known historical examples in which disease has, or has been assumed to have had, a major deleterious impact on animal species, including extinction, and highlight some recent cases in which disease is the chief suspect in causing the outright endangerment of particular species. We conclude that the role of disease in historical extinctions at the population or species level may have been underestimated. Recent methodological breakthroughs may lead to a better understanding of the past and present roles of infectious disease in influencing population fitness and other parameters.