PLoS One September 2012 PMID 22567151

Disease dynamics in a specialized parasite of ant societies.

Sandra B Andersen, Matthew Ferrari, Harry C Evans, Simon L Elliot, Jacobus J Boomsma, David P Hughes

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What people are saying

The overall discussions express interest through comments on how ants prevent pandemics, mentioning behaviors like cemetery use and self-isolation, and highlight the ecological role of hyperparasites in maintaining balance, while also reflecting curiosity about the evolution of social behavior, exemplified by curiosity about eusociality and parasite strategies.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the research, noting how ants use behaviors like cemetery formation and self-isolation to mitigate pandemics, and recognizing the ecological balance involving hyperparasites.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions show high interest, especially in the novel survival strategies of ants and the evolutionary controversy on eusociality, indicating engagement with fundamental biological concepts.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several comments go beyond surface-level reactions, examining the ecological interactions and evolutionary implications, reflecting a moderate level of thoughtful engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Participants recognize the potential impact of this research on understanding social evolution and disease dynamics in insect societies, suggesting an appreciation of its broader significance.

Abstract in brief

The study examines the coevolution between ants and their specialized parasite, Ophiocordyceps, which manipulates ants to die in specific graveyards, and investigates how this relationship balances parasite growth and colony health.
Field data from Brazil and Thailand are used to create a model showing that actual parasite pressure is lower than expected based on ant cadaver numbers, mainly because hyperparasites often castrate Ophiocordyceps, affecting its reproductive success.
The research suggests that the parasite's reproductive strategy, called iteroparity, which involves multiple reproductive cycles, has evolved in tropical environments with high hyperparasite diversity and spore mortality, helping these low-dispersal fungi persist over time.]

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RT @ultimape: @Jimityjam @eigenrobot There's an on going controversy on what causes eusociality to evolve. Its fascinating a idea. https://…

Feb 28, 2020 · 1 share · 222 followers View post →