http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/285/1881/20180956
>Parasite-infected sticklebacks increase the risk-taking behaviour of uninfected group members
>To the best of our knowledge, the present study showed for the first time that a parasite with a complex life cycle indirectly manipulates the shoaling behaviour of uninfected individuals of its host species. Thereby the infection rate within a shoal was a major determinant for the occurrence of a manipulation of the behaviour of uninfected hosts. By manipulation of the uninfected individuals, a population as a whole might become more attractive to predators, thereby increasing the predation risk for all individuals in the shoal and potentially increasing the life cycle completion rates of the parasite. This result highlights the importance for increasing our knowledge on how extensive the influence of infected individuals is on the behaviours of uninfected individuals, engaged in social networks.
>Parasite-infected sticklebacks increase the risk-taking behaviour of uninfected group members
>To the best of our knowledge, the present study showed for the first time that a parasite with a complex life cycle indirectly manipulates the shoaling behaviour of uninfected individuals of its host species. Thereby the infection rate within a shoal was a major determinant for the occurrence of a manipulation of the behaviour of uninfected hosts. By manipulation of the uninfected individuals, a population as a whole might become more attractive to predators, thereby increasing the predation risk for all individuals in the shoal and potentially increasing the life cycle completion rates of the parasite. This result highlights the importance for increasing our knowledge on how extensive the influence of infected individuals is on the behaviours of uninfected individuals, engaged in social networks.
