The Spread of Fecally Transmitted Parasites in Socially-Structured Populations
Author Information
Author(s): Nunn Charles L., Thrall Peter H., Leendertz Fabian H., Boesch Christophe
Primary Institution: Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University
Hypothesis
How do range use intensity, home range overlap, and defecation rate impact the spread of fecally transmitted parasites in socially structured populations?
Conclusion
Fecally transmitted parasites spread effectively in socially structured populations, with higher range use intensity leading to increased prevalence of infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Mean population prevalence ranged from 0 to 98.7% across simulations.
- Greater home range overlap had no positive effects on prevalence.
- Defecation rate positively correlated with gastrointestinal parasite prevalence.
Takeaway
This study shows that animals that move around a lot are more likely to get sick from parasites that spread through poop.
Methodology
An individual-based spatial simulation model was developed to investigate the spread of fecally transmitted parasites by varying parameters like range use intensity and defecation rate.
Limitations
The model did not explicitly account for intergroup encounters or how territoriality could reduce infection risk.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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