Out of Africa: origins of the Taenia tapeworms in humans

Phylogenetic and divergence date analyses indicate that the occurrence of T aenia tapeworms in humans pre-dates the development of agriculture, animal husbandry and domestication of cattle (Bos spp.) or swine (Sus scrofa). Tae niid tapeworms in Africa twice independently colonized hominids and the gen us Home prior to the origin of modern humans. Dietary!, and behavioural shi fts, from herbivory to scavenging and carnivory, as early Home entered the carnivore guild in the Pliocene/Pleistocene, were drivers For host switchin g by tapeworms to hominids from carnivores including hyaenids and felids. P arasitological data provide a unique means of elucidating the historical ec ology, foraging behaviour and food habits of hominids during the diversific ation of Home spp.