About this Research Topic
Recent studies have highlighted the possible role of the type of driver of biodiversity gradients, suggesting that the dilution effect occurs when there is a process of biodiversity loss (for example, caused by fragmentation or agricultural intensification) but not when the observed change is due to natural gradients (for example, due to elevation). Other authors have also suggested the importance of scale and latitude as potential moderators of the dilution effect.
Given the need to resolve the generality of the effect of biodiversity on disease risk, we call for papers that aim to shed light into the patterns and mechanisms underlying the dilution effect. We welcome observational, experimental or theoretical studies that explore any of the following topics (not exclusively):
-The importance of temporal and spatial scales on the analysis of the dilution effect,
-The role of different types of drivers of biodiversity gradients on the dilution effect,
-The potential underlying mechanisms of the dilution and amplification effects,
-Frameworks for the analysis of the dilution effect that take into consideration the complexity and diversity of pathogen/host systems worldwide.
Keywords: dilution effect, disease ecology, biodiversity gradients, pathogen-host systems
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.