Assistant Professor University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut
Human population size is increasing exponentially and, in turn, the urban environment is one of the few ecosystems that is rapidly expanding. A recent example of urbanization is in the Galapagos Islands, which is home to the iconic Darwin’s finches. The Galapagos currently hosts 225,000 tourists each year and is home to over 21,300 permanent residents. Consequently, humans have altered the natural habitat and introduced parasites to the Galapagos, such as a parasitic nest fly (Philornis downsi), which causes up to 100% mortality in nestling finches. However, our recent experimental work shows that small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa; a species of Darwin’s finch) in urban areas are less affected by the parasite compared to finches in non-urban areas because urban birds have fewer parasites than non-urban birds. Furthermore, our work suggests that urban birds are more resistant to the parasite than non-urban birds. The mechanisms of host resistance, as well as the potential factors promoting this defense in urban areas, will be discussed.
