eli5: Why do humans who drink contaminated water like from rivers get sick, while wild animals drinking from the same source don’t?
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There are several reasons why humans may be more susceptible to getting sick from drinking contaminated water than wild animals. One reason is that humans have a weaker immune system than many wild animals, so we are more prone to getting sick from pathogens that may be present in the water.
Another reason is that wild animals are adapted to living in their particular environment and may be better able to handle the contaminants present in the water they drink. For example, they may have a higher tolerance for certain types of bacteria or parasites that can cause illness in humans.
In addition, wild animals may be more resistant to waterborne illnesses because they may be more likely to drink from moving water sources, which can help to dilute any contaminants that may be present. Humans, on the other hand, may be more likely to drink from stagnant water sources, which can increase the risk of illness.
It’s also worth noting that not all wild animals are equally resistant to waterborne illnesses. Some species may be more susceptible to certain types of contaminants than others.
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