The document discusses the evolution of niche specialization in parasitic lice and whether this is due to lineage assortment or character displacement. It notes that niche specialization is common among lice that parasitize different groups of birds, including head lice, body lice, and wing lice of various bird orders. Charts are shown analyzing patterns of niche evolution and the process of niche evolution when considering bird hosts.

1. The evolution of
microhabitat specialization in parasitic lice:
lineage assortment or character displacement?
Vincent S. Smith Kevin P. Johnson
Illinois Natural History Survey
University of Illinois Campus
Champaign, Illinois
USA

2. Head lice …Niche Specialization
Wing lice
Body lice

3. Niche Specialization is Common
Charadriiformes
Opisthocomiformes Passeriformes
Anseriformes
Tinamiformes Galliformes
Coraciiformes