Coevolutionary interactions in a host–parasite system

Abstract

Interactions between parasitic cuckoos and their hosts represent a classic example of coevolution, where adaptations in the parasite to exploit the host select for defences, which in turn select for new parasite adaptations. Current interactions between the two parties may be at an evolutionary equilibrium or, alternatively, a coevolutionary arms race may be taking place. By taking into account the effect of gene flow in 15 European magpie (Pica pica) populations, we studied the coevolutionary interactions with its brood parasite, the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius). Our results suggest that, in Europe, magpies and cuckoos are engaged in an ongoing coevolutionary process because, despite controlling for the large amounts of gene flow among different magpie populations, we still found a positive relationship between host defence (i.e. foreign egg recognition and rejection) and parasite selection pressure.