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Local adaptation in Trinidadian guppies alters ecosystem processes
Ronald D Bassar1, Michael C Marshall, Andrés López-Sepulcre
1Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA. rdbassar@yahoo.com
Summary
Local adaptation in guppies drives ecosystem divergence. This study shows how evolutionary changes in guppy (Poecilia reticulata) traits significantly alter ecosystem structure and function, demonstrating powerful ecological-evolutionary feedbacks.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecosystem Science
Background:
- Ecological-evolutionary feedbacks propose that evolution and ecology interact over ecologically relevant timescales.
- Phenotypic variation within species can influence environmental conditions and ecosystem processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if local adaptation in guppies leads to divergent ecosystem structure and function.
- To investigate the role of guppy phenotypes in shaping ecosystem properties.
Main Methods:
- A replicated, common garden mesocosm experiment was conducted using Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata).
- Experiments were replicated using guppies from two independent origins to assess generality.
- Guppy density effects and the influence of multiple guppy traits on ecosystem differences were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Guppy populations with different phenotypes exhibited distinct impacts on ecosystem properties.
- Significant divergence in ecosystem structure (algal, invertebrate, detrital stocks) and function (productivity, decomposition, nutrient flux) was observed.
- Guppy density and specific traits modified these ecosystem effects.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary changes in guppy phenotypes significantly impact ecosystem structure and function.
- Findings support the role of ecological-evolutionary feedbacks in shaping ecosystems.
- Guppies play a crucial role in structuring the ecosystems they inhabit, consistent with natural stream observations.
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