Genetic architecture, spatial heterogeneity, and the coevolutionary arms race between newts and snakes.

ABSTRACT: Coevolution between two species can lead to exaggerated phenotypes that vary in a correlated manner across space. However, the conditions under which we expect such spatially varying coevolutionary patterns in polygenic traits are not well-understood. We investigate the coevolutionary dynamics between two species undergoing reciprocal adaptation across space and time, using simulations inspired by the Taricha newt - Thamnophis garter snake system. One striking observation from this system is that newts in some areas carry much more tetrodotoxin than in other areas, and garter snakes that live near more toxic newts tend to be more resistant to this toxin, a correlation seen across several broad geographic areas. Furthermore, snakes seem to be "winning" the coevolutionary arms

SUBMITTER: Caudill V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10723474 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature