Data from: Host genetic diversity limits parasite success beyond agricultural systems: a meta-analysis

There is evidence that human activities are reducing the population
genetic diversity of species worldwide. Given the prediction that
parasites better exploit genetically homogeneous host populations, many
species could be vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Whilst agricultural
studies have shown the devastating effects of infectious disease in crop
monocultures, the widespread nature of this diversity-disease relationship
remains unclear in natural systems. Here, we provide broad support that
high population genetic diversity can protect against infectious disease
by conducting a meta-analysis of 23 studies, with a total of 67 effect
sizes. We found that parasite functional group (micro- or macroparasite)
affects the presence of the effect and study setting (field or lab-based
environment) influences the magnitude. Our study also suggests that host
genetic diversity is overall a robust defence against infection regardless
of host reproduction, parasite’s host range, parasite diversity,
virulence, and the method by which parasite success was recorded.
Combined, these results highlight the importance of monitoring declines of
host population genetic diversity as shifts in parasite distributions
could have devastating effects on at-risk populations in nature.