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SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND PARASITE RISK IN MAMMALS: Integrating Theory and Empirical Studies
Ist Teil von
Annual review of ecology, evolution, and systematics, 2003-01, Vol.34 (1), p.517-547
Ort / Verlag
Palo Alto, CA 94303-0139: Annual Reviews
Erscheinungsjahr
2003
Link zum Volltext
Quelle
Alma/SFX Local Collection
Beschreibungen/Notizen
Mammals are exposed to a diverse array of parasites and infectious diseases,
many of which affect host survival and reproduction. Species that live in dense
populations, large social groups, or with promiscuous mating systems may be
especially vulnerable to infectious diseases owing to the close proximity and
higher contact rates among individuals. We review the effects of host density
and social contacts on parasite spread and the importance of promiscuity and
mating structure for the spread and evolution of sexually transmitted diseases.
Host social organization and mating system should influence not only parasite
diversity and prevalence but may also determine the fitness advantages of
different transmission strategies to parasites. Because host behavior and
immune defenses may have evolved to reduce the spread and pathogenicity of
infectious diseases, we also consider selective pressures that parasites may
exert on host social and mating behavior and the evolutionary responses of
hosts at both the immunological and behavioral levels. In examining these
issues, we relate modeling results to observations from wild populations,
highlighting the similarities and differences among theoretical and empirical
approaches. Finally, the epidemiological consequences of host sociality are
very relevant to the practical issues of conserving mammalian biodiversity and
understanding the interactions between extinction risk and infectious
diseases.