The paper from this project can be found here. This paper was selected as the Paper of the Month by the journal Parasitology.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/parasitology/article/infection-with-behaviourmanipulating-parasites-enhances-bioturbation-by-key-aquatic-detritivores/CD2BA5D66AF9FCE08BC5758D604FB76D
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/parasitology/article/infection-with-behaviourmanipulating-parasites-enhances-bioturbation-by-key-aquatic-detritivores/CD2BA5D66AF9FCE08BC5758D604FB76D
Parasites can control the behaviour of animals that physically change habitat structure, which suggests parasites could act as ecosystem engineers. We developed a novel experimental system, using neon pink sand to track bioturbation rates of amphipods who either were infected with a larval helminth or were uninfected. Rates were measured from 4 to 19 degrees. We present the first evidence that P. minutus parasitism increases the rates at which hosts dig into sediments. We show that temperature influences rates of bioturbation . This has consequences for nutrient flows, sediment oxygenation, and overall community function.