Population size impacts host-pathogen coevolution.

ABSTRACT: Ongoing host-pathogen interactions are characterized by rapid coevolutionary changes forcing species to continuously adapt to each other. The interacting species are often defined by finite population sizes. In theory, finite population size limits genetic diversity and compromises the efficiency of selection owing to genetic drift, in turn constraining any rapid coevolutionary responses. To date, however, experimental evidence for such constraints is scarce. The aim of our study was to assess to what extent population size influences the dynamics of host-pathogen coevolution. We used Caenorhabditus elegans and its pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis as a model for experimental coevolution in small and large host populations, as well as in host populations which were periodically

SUBMITTER: Papkou A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8670963 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature