Computer Simulation of Host and two Parasite Species with Ageing

TL;DR

This paper uses the Penna model to simulate coexistence of a host with two parasite species, demonstrating conditions under which all three can survive despite increased parasite aggressivity.

Contribution

It introduces a simulation of host and two parasite species with aging, highlighting the impact of parasite aggressivity on coexistence.

Findings

All three species can coexist if aggressive parasites adapt genetically.

Host population decreases with higher parasite aggressivity.

Successful coexistence depends on parasite adaptation to host age.

Abstract

The possible coexistence of one host, one aggressive parasite and one non-lethal parasite is simulated using the Penna model of biological ageing. If the aggressive parasites survive the difficult initial times where they have to adjust genetically to the proper host age, all three species may survive, though the host number may be diminished by increasing parasite aggressivity.