Does genetic diversity protect host populations from parasites?

Yes, according to a new study in Evolution Letters, though the results of its meta-analyses find substantial variation in the degree to which genetic diversity reduces parasitism in host populations. Dr. Amanda Kyle Gibson explains. Whether we be clinicians, agricultural scientists, epidemiologists, or evolutionary biologists, a shared question among researchers of infectious diseases is: why is …

Hybridising mosquitoes provide a new perspective on the biological species concept

A new study published in Evolution Letters has shown that the formation of new species does not necessarily require complete genomic isolation. Author Prof. Markus Pfenninger tells us more about the findings. How we think about species, speciation and hybridisation is not only of academic interest, but also influences society and politics. Biological justifications for …