--- On Mon, 5/11/09, randy oliver <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dr Adrian Wenner demonstrated that the introduction of the
> varroa mite can
> cause the complete extirpation of the honey bee from an
> island upon which
> they had thrived for 150 years. John is correct in that
> there is no reason
> whatsoever to think that a parasite cannot completely cause
> the extinction
> of a novel host.
Hello,
I don’t think Adrian demonstrated that stated above.
More accurately, Adrian demonstrated that a parasite can cause the extinction of a species lacking in genetic diversity.
Adrian M. Wenner,
The exciting potential of remote feral bee colonies for Varroa coexistence
http://www.beesource.com/pov/wenner/varroaabstract.htm.
Quote from the paper:
“Feral colonies composed of mixed genetic traits have survived for several years, but colonies of genetically uniform bees perished in an island ecosystem.”
Adrian also states:
“Feral colonies located remote from beekeeper activity could now have strains quite resistant to varroa mites and should be investigated.”
Best Wishes
Joe
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