Group size and modularity interact to shape the spread of infection and information through animal societies.

ABSTRACT: Social interactions between animals can provide many benefits, including the ability to gain useful environmental information through social learning. However, these social contacts can also facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases through a population. Animals engaging in social interactions therefore face a trade-off between the potential informational benefits and the risk of acquiring disease. Theoretical models have suggested that modular social networks, associated with the formation of groups or sub-groups, can slow spread of infection by trapping it within particular groups. However, these social structures will not necessarily impact the spread of information in the same way if its transmission follows a "complex contagion", e.g. through individuals disproportionally cop

SUBMITTER: Evans JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8626757 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature