Species diversity of deadly parasites is greatest in the tropics
the verdict
CONTESTED
the evidence cuts both ways
confidence 40/100
While some taxonomic groups like protozoa and certain helminths show greater parasite richness in the tropics, other host-parasite systems exhibit reverse gradients or no clear latitudinal pattern at all, making the claim contested.
Evidence for · 2
Latitudinal gradients of parasite species richness in primates
2005 · cited by 141
Latitudinal gradients of parasite species richness were observed closer to the equator for protozoan parasites in primates.
Evidence against · 2
Why do parasites exhibit reverse latitudinal diversity gradients? Testing the roles of host diversity, habitat and climate
2021 · cited by 23
Lentic-breeding amphibian helminths exhibited a reverse latitudinal diversity gradient with greater parasite richness at higher latitudes.
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More for · 1
Latitudinal gradients of parasite richness: a review and new insights from helminths of cricetid rodents
2019 · cited by 53
Helminth parasites in cricetid rodents followed the traditional latitudinal diversity gradient with increasing species richness at lower latitudes.
More against · 1
LATITUDINAL GRADIENTS IN PARASITE DIVERSITY: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TEMPERATE AND TROPICAL AREAS GRADIENTE LATITUDINAL DE DIVERSIDAD PARASITARIA: LLENANDO EL VACÍO ENTRE LAS ÁREAS TEMPLADAS Y TROPICALES
2021 · cited by 17
A large review of vertebrate helminth surveys found no latitudinal gradient in birds and mammals, and a weak reverse gradient in fish.