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

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 eco-evolutionary 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, eco-evolutionary feedbacks lead to higher mean species abundances and lower temporal variation in abundances. By cont

SUBMITTER: de Andreazzi CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5879624 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature