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Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
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Environmental fluctuations restrict eco-evolutionary dynamics in predator-prey system.

Teppo Hiltunen1, Gökçe B Ayan2, Lutz Becks2

  • 1Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, Helsinki 00014, Finland teppo.hiltunen@helsinki.fi.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
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PubMed
Summary

Environmental fluctuations slow down prey evolution and trait adaptation. Recurrent environmental changes, like bottom-up and top-down stressors, constrain evolutionary responses in ecological communities.

Keywords:
Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25Tetrahymena thermophilacoevolutioncommunity dynamicseco-evolutionary dynamicstemporal fluctuations

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Microbial Ecology

Background:

  • Environmental fluctuations and species interactions shape ecological communities.
  • Abiotic environment and prey evolution separately influence community dynamics.
  • Interactive effects between environmental factors and evolution are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate eco-evolutionary dynamics in fluctuating environments.
  • Examine how environmental changes affect prey evolution and defense traits.
  • Understand the combined effects of bottom-up and top-down stressors.

Main Methods:

  • Bacteria-ciliate microcosm experiments were conducted.
  • Population dynamics and prey defense traits were monitored over time.
  • Populations were exposed to regular changes in bottom-up or top-down stressors.

Main Results:

  • The rate of defense trait evolution was lower in fluctuating environments compared to stable ones.
  • Recurrent changes in two environmental stressors led to lower evolved defense trait levels.
  • Fluctuating population sizes altered mutation supply and selection strength, impacting evolutionary trajectories.

Conclusions:

  • Environmental fluctuations constrain the rate and extent of prey evolution.
  • Combined bottom-up and top-down stressors can have additive effects on evolutionary responses.
  • An eco-evolutionary perspective is essential for studying traits mediating species interactions.