I chose this paper because I am interested in evolution and long-distance migratory species like monarch butterflies are an interesting subject of study for their host-pathogen interactions. The selective pressure that the parasite imposes over the butterflies is added to the physiological cost of migration, thus setting the scenario for adaptations to overcome or tolerate the infection in order to successfully reach their wintering grounds. Although this paper focused mostly on the actual capacity of different monarch populations to reach their wintering grounds during fall migration, it did not investigate the evolutionary aspect of this phenomenon. A follow-up study could look at the genomes of populations in northern and southern latitudes, in order to see if there are genetic differences involved with overcoming the cost of parasite infection. This research could be useful for the conservation of monarch butterflies, which have been consistently declining over the past 20 years, in order to plan the introduction of resistant monarchs in declining populations.
Comments
Point of view shift
Nice paragraph. The one thing I would improve is the consistency of the point of view. In the beginning of the paragraph, you are writing in 1st person, but towards the end, you use words such as "we" meaning a broader subject.
Intro Sentence
Very solid paragraph. However, the first senetence is a little hard to read I understand what you are trying to get across, but it sounds a little odd when reading it. You transition from talking about migratory speicies like monarch butterflies to the host-pathogen interactions very abruptly. Separating these ideas would provide a better flow throughout te intro sentences.