Host age structure reshapes parasite symbiosis: collaboration begets pathogens, competition begets virulent mutualists.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Symbiotic relationships are ubiquitous in the biosphere. Inter-species symbiosis is impacted by intra-specific distinctions, in particular, those defined by the age structure of a population. Older individuals compete with younger individuals for resources despite being less likely to reproduce, diminishing the fitness of the population. Conversely, however, older individuals can support the reproduction of younger individuals, increasing the population fitness. Parasitic relationships are commonly age structured, typically, more adversely affecting older hosts.

Results

We employ mathematical modeling to explore the differential effects of collaborative or competitive host age structures on host-parasite relationships. A classical epidemiological compartment model

SUBMITTER: Portner COS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9652831 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature