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The Role of Evolution in Shaping Ecological Networks
Simon T Segar1, Tom M Fayle2, Diane S Srivastava3
1Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branisovska 1760, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Science, Branisovska 1760, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Crop and Environment Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, UK.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|April 16, 2020
Summary
Evolution shapes ecological networks across all scales. Understanding ecoevolutionary dynamics is crucial for predicting community assembly and responses to environmental change.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Network Science
Background:
- Ecological network structure and dynamics are influenced by evolutionary history.
- Ecoevolutionary processes play a pervasive role in shaping biotic interactions.
- Evolutionary influences are observable at both macroevolutionary and local scales.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the role of evolution in ecological networks.
- To propose a framework for future research integrating evolutionary and ecological perspectives.
- To highlight the importance of evolutionary dimensions for understanding community assembly and predicting network responses.
Main Methods:
- Appraisal of recent relevant research.
- Emphasis on process-based models.
- Inclusion of experimental evolution and phenotypic variation studies.
- Consideration of diverse spatial and temporal scales.
Main Results:
- Evolutionary processes are fundamental drivers of ecological network structure and dynamics.
- The impact of evolution is evident across various spatial and temporal scales.
- Integrating evolutionary dimensions is essential for advancing ecological understanding.
Conclusions:
- Future research should prioritize process-based models, experimental evolution, and phenotypic variation.
- A comprehensive understanding of ecological networks requires incorporating evolutionary perspectives.
- This integration is key to predicting community assembly and network responses to global changes.
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