On the evolutionary interplay between dispersal and local adaptation in heterogeneous environments

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Ecology
• Population genetics

Background:

• Dispersal and local adaptation are key drivers of population structure.
• These evolutionary forces can act antagonistically, influencing each other's evolution.
• Understanding their joint evolution is crucial for predicting population dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the joint evolution of dispersal and local adaptation.
• To model the evolutionary interplay between these two forces in a metapopulation.

Main Methods:

• A simple, discrete-time metapopulation model was employed.
• The model simulated the evolutionary dynamics of dispersal and local adaptation.
• Environmental heterogeneity and kin competition were key parameters.

Main Results:

• The interplay results in either highly dispersing generalists or locally adapted, rare-dispersing populations.
• Environmental heterogeneity acts as a critical threshold.
• Kin competition influences the transition dynamics: low competition leads to discontinuities, high competition to smooth transitions.

Conclusions:

• The balance between dispersal and local adaptation shapes population structure.
• Environmental heterogeneity and kin competition are critical factors modulating this balance.
• The study reveals distinct evolutionary regimes based on these factors.