The evolution of parasitic sex ratio distortion
Host-parasite interactions are pervasive throughout the natural world, forming a critical component of plant and animal communities. Among them, parasites that distort host sex ratios are widespread in invertebrates. The effect of sex ratio distorters can have a powerful effect on biodiversity; they can cause populations to become extinct and change the composition of animals in the community. Additionally as they can affect harmful as well as beneficial hosts, there is currently a great deal of interest in the use of such parasites for biological control. Sex ratio distortion has evolved in d