Impacts of selective predation on infection prevalence and host susceptibility
Data files
Jan 10, 2025 version files 32.33 KB
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Length_data_Gutierrez_etal.csv
9.83 KB
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Population_data_Gutierrez_etal.csv
19.14 KB
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README.md
2.81 KB
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Susceptibility_data_Gutierrez_etal.csv
548 B
Abstract
Predation can alter diverse ecological processes, including host–parasite interactions. Selective predation, whereby predators preferentially feed on certain prey types, can affect prey density and selective pressures. Studies on selective predation in infected populations have primarily focused on predators preferentially feeding on infected prey. However, there is substantial evidence that some predators preferentially consume uninfected individuals. Such different strategies of prey selectivity likely modulate host–parasite interactions, changing the fitness payoffs both for hosts and their parasites. Here we investigated the effects of different types of selective predation on infection dynamics and host evolution. We used a host–parasite system in the laboratory (Daphnia dentifera infected with the horizontally transmitted fungus, Metschnikowia bicuspidata) to artificially manipulate selective predation by removing infected, uninfected, or randomly selected prey over approximately 8–9 overlapping generations. We collected weekly data on population demographics and host infection and measured susceptibility from a subset of the remaining hosts in each population at the end of the experiment. After 6 weeks of selective predation pressure, we found no differences in host abundance or infection prevalence across predation treatments. Counterintuitively, populations with selective predation on infected individuals had a higher abundance of infected individuals than populations where either uninfected or randomly selected individuals were removed. Additionally, populations with selective predation for uninfected individuals had a higher proportion of individuals infected after a standardized exposure to the parasite than individuals from the two other predation treatments. These results suggest that selective predation can alter the abundance of infected hosts and host evolution.
README
For the data files associated with the manuscript "Selective predation can impact infection prevalence and host susceptibility" by S.O. Gutierrez, X.E. Bernal, and C.L. Searle.
Description of data files:
Population_data_Gutierrez_etal
Susceptibility_data_Gutierrez_etal
Length_data_Gutierrez_etal
For the file: "Population_data_Gutierrez_etal." These data are from the weekly sampling of the populations during the "population experiment" portion of the project.
Beaker = replicate number
Sample_num = the week each sample was taken
Predation = the selective predation treatment where "Infected" = infected individuals were removed, "Uninfected" = uninfected individuals were removed, and "Random" = both infected and uninfected individuals were removed
*Adult_F = uninfected adult female
*Ephi_F = uninfected adult female carrying an ephippium (resting egg)
*Juv_F = uninfected juvenile female
*Ad_M = uninfected adult male
*Juv_M = uninfected juvenile male
*Inf_Ad_F = infected adult female
*Inf_Ephi_F = infected adult female carrying an ephippium (resting egg)
*Inf_Juv_F = infected juvenile female
*Inf_Ad_M = infected adult male
*Inf_Juv_M = infected juvenile male
Total_num = total number of individuals counted in the 100mL sample
Infected_num = number infected
Prop_inf = proportion infected
Prop_juv = proportion juveniles
*Values in columns with an asterisk are the number of individuals in each category found in the 100mL subsample of the population on a given sampling day.
For the file "Susceptibility_data_Gutierrez_etal." These data are the results of the infection trial in the "population susceptibility" portion of the project.
Beaker = replicate number of the original population
Predation = the selective predation treatment where "Infected" = infected individuals were removed, "Uninfected" = uninfected individuals were removed, and "Random" = both infected and uninfected individuals were removed
Num_infected = the number of individuals identified as infected for each beaker at the end of the susceptibility trial
Num_uninfected = the number of individuals identified as uninfected for each beaker at the end of the susceptibility trial
For the file "Length_data_Gutierrez_etal." These data are the measurements of length from the extra animals in the maternal lines from the "population experiment" portion of the projection.
Beaker = replicate number of the original population
Mat_line = an indicator of the maternal line within each beaker (replicate). We started 20 maternal lines from each original beaker, but not all of them survived for us to measure.
Indiv_num = an indicator of up to the three individuals measured for each maternal line within each beaker
Length_mm = the length of each individual measured, in mm, from the middle of the eye to the base of the tail