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Biotic interaction strength and the intensity of selection
1Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA. cbenkman@uwyo.edu
Ecology Letters
|June 15, 2013
Summary
The intensity of natural selection changes with species interaction strength. Stronger antagonistic interactions increase selection intensity, while stronger mutualistic interactions decrease it, impacting evolutionary diversification.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Quantitative Ecology
Background:
- Species interactions are crucial for ecological and evolutionary processes.
- The link between interaction strength and selection intensity remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the relationship between species interaction strength and the intensity of natural selection.
- To evaluate how selection differentials vary with interaction strength.
Main Methods:
- Developed a theoretical model linking opportunity for selection with interaction strength.
- Utilized the relationship between selection differential and opportunity for selection (Arnold & Wade 1984).
Main Results:
- Model predicts decelerating then accelerating selection intensity with increasing antagonistic interactions.
- Model predicts selection intensity decreases with increasing mutualistic interactions.
- Empirical data support the model's predictions.
Conclusions:
- Interaction strength is a key factor influencing selection intensity.
- This relationship offers an evolutionary explanation for patterns like latitudinal species gradients.
- Findings are relevant to understanding eco-evolutionary dynamics.
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