Group-selection via aggregative propagule-formation enables cooperative multicellularity in an individual based, spatial model.

ABSTRACT: The emergence of multicellularity is one of the major transitions in evolution that happened multiple times independently. During aggregative multicellularity, genetically potentially unrelated lineages cooperate to form transient multicellular groups. Unlike clonal multicellularity, aggregative multicellular organisms do not rely on kin selection instead other mechanisms maintain cooperation against cheater phenotypes that benefit from cooperators but do not contribute to groups. Spatiality with limited diffusion can facilitate group selection, as interactions among individuals are restricted to local neighbourhoods only. Selection for larger size (e.g. avoiding predation) may facilitate the emergence of aggregation, though it is unknown, whether and how much role such selection played du

SUBMITTER: Oszoli I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11101088 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature