Antagonistic coevolution over productivity gradients

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Theoretical Biology

Background:

• Antagonistic coevolution shapes species interactions.
• Spatial heterogeneity influences ecological and evolutionary dynamics.
• Predator-prey systems are key models for studying coevolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how spatial variation in prey productivity and migration patterns affect geographic coevolutionary dynamics between predators and prey.
• To develop and analyze a quantitative model applicable to various antagonistic species associations.

Main Methods:

• Developed a quantitative coevolutionary model for predator-prey interactions.
• Simulated populations across a gradient of prey birth rates (productivity).
• Examined scenarios with isolated patches, global migration, and local (stepping-stone) migration.

Main Results:

• Predator offense and prey defense investments are highest in high-productivity patches.
• Predation impact is greater in productive patches, despite higher prey abundance.
• Migration shifts strains, potentially eliminating low-investment clones; generalists dominate productive areas, specialists in marginal ones.
• Intermediate productivity habitats exhibit the greatest strain diversity.

Conclusions:

• Spatial heterogeneity in prey productivity is a major driver of coevolutionary patterns in predator-prey interactions.
• Migration patterns significantly influence the distribution and persistence of coevolving strains.
• Findings have implications for understanding adaptation, biodiversity, and conservation strategies in heterogeneous environments.