Linking individual phenotype to density-dependent population growth: the influence of body size on the population dynamics of malaria vectors

Russell, Tanya L., Lwetoijera, D. W., Knols, B. G. J., Takken, W., Killeen, Gerry ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8583-8739 and Ferguson, H. M. (2011) 'Linking individual phenotype to density-dependent population growth: the influence of body size on the population dynamics of malaria vectors'. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, Vol 278, Issue 1721, pp. 3142-3151.

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Abstract

Understanding the endogenous factors that drive the population dynamics of malaria mosquitoes will facilitate more accurate predictions about vector control effectiveness and our ability to destabilize the growth of either low- or high-density insect populations. We assessed whether variation in phenotypic traits predict the dynamics of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes, the most important vectors of human malaria. Anopheles gambiae dynamics were monitored over a six-month period of seasonal growth and decline. The population exhibited density-dependent feedback, with the carrying capacity being modified by rainfall (97% wAICc support). The individual phenotypic expression of the maternal (p = 0.0001) and current (p = 0.040) body size positively influenced population growth. Our field-based evidence uniquely demonstrates that individual fitness can have population-level impacts and, furthermore, can mitigate the impact of exogenous drivers (e.g. rainfall) in species whose reproduction depends upon it. Once frontline interventions have suppressed mosquito densities, attempts to eliminate malaria with supplementary vector control tools may be attenuated by increased population growth and individual fitness.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	QU Biochemistry > Genetics > QU 475 Genetic processes QU Biochemistry > Genetics > QU 500 Genetic phenomena QX Parasitology > Insects. Other Parasites > QX 515 Anopheles QX Parasitology > Insects. Other Parasites > QX 600 Insect control. Tick control QX Parasitology > Insects. Other Parasites > QX 650 Insect vectors WC Communicable Diseases > Tropical and Parasitic Diseases > WC 750 Malaria
Faculty: Department:	Groups (2002 - 2012) > Vector Group
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2011.0153
Depositing User:	Lynn Roberts-Maloney
Date Deposited:	10 Feb 2015 10:14
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2019 10:12
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/4876

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