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Co-evolution as an important component explaining microbial predator-prey interaction.

Veijo Kaitala1, Teppo Hiltunen2, Lutz Becks3

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|November 30, 2019
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Evolution and ecology interact in predator-prey systems. Co-evolution, where both predator and prey evolve, best explains microbial community dynamics, challenging previous assumptions about slow evolutionary rates.

Keywords:
MicrocosmPopulation dynamicsPseudomonasQuantitative trait evolution modelTetrahymena

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Microbial Ecology

Background:

  • Predator-prey interactions are fundamental to community dynamics and species coexistence.
  • Historically, evolution was considered too slow to impact ecological timescales.
  • Microbial systems offer a unique model for studying rapid co-evolutionary processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of evolution in shaping predator-prey dynamics within microbial communities.
  • To determine if observed ecological patterns result from predator evolution, prey evolution, or co-evolution.
  • To assess the interplay between ecological interactions and evolutionary adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Simulated observational data using quantitative trait evolution models.
  • Compared models of prey evolution alone, predator evolution alone, and co-evolution.
  • Utilized bacterial and ciliate interactions as a model system.

Main Results:

  • The interaction between bacteria and ciliates was best explained by a co-evolutionary model.
  • Models with prey evolution alone provided a weaker fit to the data.
  • Models with predator evolution alone or no evolution failed to explain the observed dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Ecology and evolution are intertwined in shaping microbial community dynamics.
  • Co-evolution, involving reciprocal changes in both predator and prey, is a significant driver.
  • Ignoring evolutionary processes can lead to inaccurate ecological predictions.