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Related Concept Videos

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Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.
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Niche construction, sources of selection and trait coevolution.

Kevin Laland1, John Odling-Smee2, John Endler3

  • 1Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Harold Mitchell Building, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH, UK.

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Organisms actively shape their environments through niche construction, which directs evolution similarly to artificial selection. This process influences natural selection, leading to predictable evolutionary outcomes and potentially increasing biodiversity.

Keywords:
adaptive evolutionniche constructiontrait coevolution

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Ecology
  • Behavioral Ecology

Background:

  • Organisms actively modify their environments, a process termed niche construction.
  • Niche construction influences ecological dynamics, natural selection, and inheritance via ecological legacies.
  • The role of niche construction in directing adaptive evolution requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose niche construction as a driver that initiates and directs selection.
  • To illustrate how niche construction imposes a consistent bias on selection, co-directing adaptive evolution.
  • To position niche construction relative to artificial and natural selection.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual framework comparing niche construction to artificial selection.
  • Analysis of how niche construction generates evolutionary bias.
  • Formulation of testable predictions regarding evolutionary responses.

Main Results:

  • Niche construction acts as a directed and sustained source of selection on constructors and other species.
  • It occupies an intermediate position between artificial and natural selection.
  • Predictions include reduced variance in natural selection responses, multi-trait coevolution, and a positive link with biodiversity.

Conclusions:

  • Niche construction is a significant evolutionary force that actively shapes adaptive trajectories.
  • Recognizing niche construction offers a more comprehensive understanding of evolutionary biology.
  • Further research should focus on the diverse properties of all selection sources, including niche construction.