Deeply conserved susceptibility in a multi-host, multi-parasite system

Abstract

Variation in susceptibility is ubiquitous in multi-host, multi-parasite assemblages, and can have profound implications for ecology and evolution. The extent to which susceptibility is phylogenetically conserved among hosts is poorly understood and has rarely been appropriately tested. We screened for haemosporidian parasites in 3983 birds representing 40 families and 523 species, spanning ~4500 meters elevation in the tropical Andes. To quantify the influence of host phylogeny on infection status, we applied Bayesian phylogenetic multilevel models that included a suite of environmental, spatial, temporal, life history, and ecological predictors. We found evidence of deeply-conserved susceptibility across the avian tree; host phylogeny explained substantial variation in infection rate, and results were robust to phylogenetic uncertainty. Our study suggests that susceptibility is governed, in part, by conserved, latent aspects of anti-parasite defense. This demonstrates the importance of deep phylogeny for understanding the outcomes of present-day ecological interactions.\n\nStatement of authorshipLNB, SMM, NM, and CCW designed the study; SMM, SCG, HLL, HS, TV, JDW, and CCW collected the data; LNB and NM analyzed the data; LNB, NM, and CCW wrote the paper with input from all authors.\n\nData accessibility statementSpecimen information is available from the Arctos database (arctosdb.org) and in supplementary tables (Appendix S1). Files used for analysis will be archived in Dryad. DOI: XXX.