How diseases affect symbiotic communities.

Ezio Venturino

doi:10.1016/j.mbs.2006.03.007

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How diseases affect symbiotic communities.

Ezio Venturino

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Abstract

Examples of species living in symbiotic communities are well known among biologists. In this study we extend our previous analysis of predator-prey or competing models subject to a disease spreading among one of the species to populations mutually benefiting from interactions. We assume that one of the species is subject to a disease which cannot cross the species barrier and investigate the behavior of such a community. Our findings indicate that there are parameter ranges for which an interesting phenomenon occurs. Namely, the equilibrium shifts to a higher value. That is, the disease seems to have a positive effect on the environment as also field experiments show.

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Algorithms Animals Communicable Diseases Computer Simulation Models, Biological Population Density Population Dynamics Symbiosis Journal Article

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Ezio Venturino. 2006-04-19. How diseases affect symbiotic communities.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mbs.2006.03.007

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