Eco-evolutionary feedbacks promote fluctuating selection and long-term stability of antagonistic networks

Author(s)

de Andreazzi, Cecilia Siliansky ^{[1, 2]} ; Guimaraes, Jr., Paulo R. ^[1] ; Melian, Carlos J. ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Ecol, Rua Matao, Travessa 14, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Mata Atlantica, Estr Rodrigues Caldas 3400, BR-22713375 Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil

^[3] EAWAG, Ctr Ecol Evolut & Biogeochem, Dept Fish Ecol & Evolut, Dubendorf - Switzerland

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; v. 285, n. 1874 MAR 14 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Studies have shown the potential for rapid adaptation in coevolving populations and that the structure of species interaction networks can modulate the vulnerability of ecological systems to perturbations. Although the feedback loop between population dynamics and coevolution of traits is crucial for understanding long-term stability in ecological assemblages, modelling ecoevolutionary dynamics in species-rich assemblages is still a challenge. We explore how eco-evolutionary feedbacks influence trait evolution and species abundances in 23 empirical antagonistic networks. We show that, if selection due to antagonistic interactions is stronger than other selective pressures, ecoevolutionary feedbacks lead to higher mean species abundances and lower temporal variation in abundances. By contrast, strong selection of antagonistic interactions leads to higher temporal variation of traits and on interaction strengths. Our results present a theoretical link between the study of the species persistence and coevolution in networks of interacting species, pointing out the ways by which coevolution may decrease the vulnerability of species within antagonistic networks to demographic fluctuation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/08406-7 - How do species and interaction turnovers affect the coevolutionary dynamics in mutualistic networks?
• Grantee: Paulo Roberto Guimarães Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants