Speciation: more likely through a genetic or through a learned habitat preference?

ABSTRACT: A problem in understanding sympatric speciation is establishing how reproductive isolation can arise when there is disruptive selection on an ecological trait. One of the solutions that has been proposed is that a habitat preference evolves, and that mates are chosen within the preferred habitat. We present a model where the habitat preference can evolve either by means of a genetic mechanism or by means of learning. Employing an adaptive-dynamical analysis, we show that evolution proceeds either to a single population of specialists with a genetic preference for their optimal habitat, or to a population of generalists without a habitat preference. The generalist population subsequently experiences disruptive selection. Learning promotes speciation because it increases the intensity of dis

SUBMITTER: Beltman JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1560178 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature