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Using niche breadth theory to explain generalization in mutualisms.

Rebecca T Batstone1, Kelly A Carscadden1,2, Michelle E Afkhami3

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B2, Canada.

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Most mutualists associate with multiple partners, challenging the idea that specialists are always better. Broad partner breadth offers advantages like sampling and complementarity, especially when environmental factors reduce partner quality variation.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Behavioral Ecology

Background:

  • Mutualisms are interactions where both species benefit.
  • Evolutionary theory suggests mutualists should choose high-quality partners for stability.
  • However, many species associate with multiple partners, even those offering similar rewards.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore how environmental factors influence the partner breadth of mutualists.
  • To explain the selective advantages of associating with multiple partners.
  • To identify conditions under which selection for narrow partner breadth is weak.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual framework based on niche breadth evolution.
  • Analysis of environmental influences on partner availability and quality.
  • Theoretical arguments for the advantages of broad partner breadth.

Main Results:

  • Environmental conditions shape a mutualist's partner breadth.
  • Associating with multiple partners can provide advantages such as sampling, complementarity, and portfolio effects.
  • Broad partner breadth may even enhance niche breadth across other axes.

Conclusions:

  • Broad partner breadth is common in mutualisms and often advantageous.
  • Selection for narrow partner breadth is weak when partner quality variation is low, costs of low-quality partners are reduced, or spatial structuring is present.
  • The persistence of ineffective partners is a consequence of these dynamics.