Whose trait is it anyways? Coevolution of joint phenotypes and genetic architecture in mutualisms.

ABSTRACT: Evolutionary biologists typically envision a trait's genetic basis and fitness effects occurring within a single species. However, traits can be determined by and have fitness consequences for interacting species, thus evolving in multiple genomes. This is especially likely in mutualisms, where species exchange fitness benefits and can associate over long periods of time. Partners may experience evolutionary conflict over the value of a multi-genomic trait, but such conflicts may be ameliorated by mutualism's positive fitness feedbacks. Here, we develop a simulation model of a host-microbe mutualism to explore the evolution of a multi-genomic trait. Coevolutionary outcomes depend on whether hosts and microbes have similar or different optimal trait values, strengths of selection and fitnes

SUBMITTER: O'Brien AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7892427 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature