Reverse evolution: driving forces behind the loss of acquired photosynthetic traits.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The loss of photosynthesis has occurred often in eukaryotic evolution, even more than its acquisition, which occurred at least nine times independently and which generated the evolution of the supergroups Archaeplastida, Rhizaria, Chromalveolata and Excavata. This secondary loss of autotrophic capability is essential to explain the evolution of eukaryotes and the high diversity of protists, which has been severely underestimated until recently. However, the ecological and evolutionary scenarios behind this evolutionary "step back" are still largely unknown.

Methodology/principal findings

Using a dynamic model of heterotrophic and mixotrophic flagellates and two types of prey, large bacteria and ultramicrobacteria, we examine the influence of DOC concentration, mix

SUBMITTER: de Castro F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2794545 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature