Re: K-T Theories

[Stan Friesen <swf@ElSegundoCA.ATTGIS.COM>]

 From: derek@nezsdc.fujitsu.co.nz (Derek Tearne)
 > 
 > On the introduction of Myxamatosis to the Australian rabbit 
 > population. 

Ah, I *did* remember the name of the disease right!

 > First it should be pointed out that rabbits themselves
 > are an introduced species with no natural predators in Australia.

Of course. That is why they were so nasty a problem - they
didn't fit into the local ecology, and went out of control.

It is also why we here in California are having such problems
with the Mediteranean Fruit Fly.

 > So the situation is slightly
 > artificial in that the disease is the only pressure on the species in 
 > question.

What is interesting about this is that Myxomatosis is not even
close to as devastating to rabbits in their natural habitat.

In other words, somehow the natural controls on rabbit population
also tend to slow down the spread of the disease.
 > 
 > Especially as the introduction of the disease didn't work.

Hmm, well I thought it had helped some - the rabbits are no longer
such a totally ubiquitous pest.  They just haven't been wiped out.

swf@elsegundoca.attgis.com              sarima@netcom.com

The peace of God be with you.