Explaining parasite aggregation: more than one parasite species at a time.
Studies generally have neglected parasite-centric views in explorations of whether the oft-seen patterns of parasite aggregation are adaptive. Using simulation models, we explored the effects of aggregation on coinfection with hetero- or conspecific parasite species characterised by different mean abundances. Increasing aggregation increased the probability of conspecific co-occurrence for parasites with low mean abundances, and increased median numbers of conspecifics for all species. In comparison, increasing aggregation generally decreased the probability, intensity and diversity of heterospecific co-occurrence, irrespective of mean abundance. Researchers should weigh the respective costs and benefits of increasing co-occurrence with conspecifics and decreasing coinfection with heterospecifics in explaining aggregation.
Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S-5B6, Canada. Electronic address: andre_morrill@carleton.ca.
André
A
Morrill
Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S-5B6, Canada.
Felipe
F
Dargent
Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S-5B6, Canada.
Mark R
MR
Forbes
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D060085:Coinfection / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010271:Parasites / Q000502:physiology*; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*
Aggregation; Co-occurrence; Coinfection; Group formation; Interspecific interactions