Parasite load is a measure of the number and virulence of the parasites that a host organism harbours. Quantitative parasitology deals with measures to quantify parasite loads in samples of hosts and to make statistical comparisons of parasitism across host samples.
In evolutionary biology, parasite load has important implications for sexual selection and the evolution of sex, as well as Openness to experience
Famous quotes containing the words parasite and/or load:
“Creation destroys as it goes, throws down one tree for the rise of another. But ideal mankind would abolish death, multiply itself million upon million, rear up city upon city, save every parasite alive, until the accumulation of mere existence is swollen to a horror.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)
“To watch another carrying a load requires no exertion.”
—Chinese proverb.