Chemotactic preferences govern competition and pattern formation in simulated two-strain microbial communities

Area of Science:

• Microbial Ecology
• Mathematical Biology
• Theoretical Ecology

Background:

• Substrate competition is a key microbial interaction in nature.
• Microbial growth properties are well-studied factors in competition.
• The role of motility in microbial competition requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of microbial motility and chemotaxis on competition between two strains.
• To understand how chemotactic preferences affect spatial distribution and community dynamics.
• To explore the emergence and stability of patterns in microbial communities.

Main Methods:

• Simulated a two-strain microbial community in a homogeneous 2D environment.
• Focused on strains differing in chemotactic preference for chemoattractants or substrate.
• Analyzed community behavior from homogeneous distributions to pattern formation and extinction.

Main Results:

• Observed three outcomes: homogeneous distributions, transient patterns, and stable patterns leading to extinction.
• The less aggregating strain gained a competitive advantage by occupying productive zones.
• Competitor presence modulated aggregate formation, potentially favoring initially disadvantageous lifestyles.

Conclusions:

• Microbial motility and chemotaxis are crucial for competition and pattern formation.
• Temporal dynamics and community history are important for explaining observed distributions.
• Motility-driven aggregation dynamics can lead to competitive exclusion or coexistence, shaping community structure.