The geographic mosaic of coevolution in mutualistic networks.

ABSTRACT: Ecological interactions shape adaptations through coevolution not only between pairs of species but also through entire multispecies assemblages. Local coevolution can then be further altered through spatial processes that have been formally partitioned in the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution. A major current challenge is to understand the spatial patterns of coadaptation that emerge across ecosystems through the interplay between gene flow and selection in networks of interacting species. Here, we combine a coevolutionary model, network theory, and empirical information on species interactions to investigate how gene flow and geographical variation in selection affect trait patterns in mutualistic networks. We show that gene flow has the surprising effect of favoring trait matching

SUBMITTER: Medeiros LP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6255164 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature