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Upward Adaptive Radiation Cascades: Predator Diversification Induced by Prey Diversification
Jakob Brodersen1, David M Post2, Ole Seehausen3
1Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG), Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry, Seestrasse 79, CH-6047 Kastanienbaum, Switzerland.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|November 4, 2017
Summary
Prey adaptive radiation can drive predator diversification and speciation, a process termed an upwards adaptive radiation cascade. This concept highlights reciprocal evolutionary dynamics between interacting species.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biodiversity Science
Background:
- Biodiversity generation and coevolutionary dynamics are complex.
- Predator-prey coevolution is often viewed as an evolutionary arms race.
- The impact of prey diversification on predator evolution is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and define the concept of upwards adaptive radiation cascades.
- To explore existing evidence for this phenomenon.
- To advocate for further research into predator responses to prey adaptive radiation.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual framework development.
- Literature review and synthesis of existing studies.
- Hypothesis formulation based on evolutionary theory.
Main Results:
- Adaptive radiation in prey can initiate reciprocal evolutionary changes in predators.
- This process can lead to predator diversification and potentially speciation.
- The concept of upwards adaptive radiation cascades provides a novel perspective on coevolution.
Conclusions:
- Prey adaptive radiation can be a significant driver of predator evolutionary diversification.
- Upwards adaptive radiation cascades represent an important, yet underappreciated, evolutionary process.
- Further empirical and theoretical research is crucial to validate and expand upon this concept.
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