Parasites and the evolution of host sexual behaviour

Pays particular attention to adaptive modifications by the host of its own sexual behaviour in the face of parasite-imposed selection, with major sections on: parasite manipulation of host reproductive effort; mate choice; mating systems; and group living and sociality. Host mate choice may be adaptively modified so that individuals infected with contact-transmitted parasites are avoided, and choice of healthy mates for good phenotypes (parental care) and good genes could also occur. Discussion includes sexual section using visual clues, eg the Hamilton-Zuk hypothesis concerning colour brightness and parasite load, which is examined in detail. -P.J.Jarvis