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The Red King effect: when the slowest runner wins the coevolutionary race
Carl T Bergstrom1, Michael Lachmann
1Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. cbergst@u.washington.edu
Summary
In evolving mutualisms, the slower-evolving species unexpectedly gains more benefits. Population structure further amplifies this advantage for slower partners in these symbiotic relationships.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Game theory
- Ecology
Background:
- Mutualisms are interactions where all participating species benefit.
- Understanding benefit allocation in evolving mutualisms is crucial.
- The Red Queen theory suggests rapid coevolutionary rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how benefits are allocated in mutualistic interactions during evolution.
- To explore the role of evolutionary rates in mutualism establishment and benefit partitioning.
- To examine the influence of population structure on benefit allocation.
Main Methods:
- Employing evolutionary game theory models.
- Analyzing coevolutionary dynamics.
- Simulating population structures.
Main Results:
- Contrary to the Red Queen theory, slower-evolving species gain a disproportionate share of benefits in mutualism.
- Evolutionary rates significantly impact benefit partitioning.
- Population structure magnifies the advantage for slower-evolving species.
Conclusions:
- Benefit allocation in mutualism is influenced by relative evolutionary rates.
- Slower species may be favored in mutualistic coevolution.
- Population structure plays a key role in shaping mutualistic outcomes.