Dispersal evolution and eco-evolutionary dynamics in antagonistic species interactions

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Theoretical Ecology

Background:

• Dispersal evolution influences single-species spatial dynamics like range expansions.
• Current metacommunity theory lacks realistic integration of dispersal evolution, especially for interacting species.
• Antagonistic interactions (e.g., host-parasite) are key but understudied in dispersal evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize theory on dispersal evolution in the context of antagonistic species interactions.
• To connect dispersal evolution with host-parasite evolutionary ecology, including virulence and local adaptation.
• To highlight the importance of multi-trait coevolution in metacommunities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing theoretical frameworks.
• Conceptual synthesis of dispersal evolution and interaction trait evolution.
• Exploration of demographic and epidemiological feedbacks.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous coevolution of dispersal and interaction traits is crucial for understanding metacommunity dynamics.
• Reciprocal feedbacks between demography, epidemiology, and trait evolution alter predictions.
• Existing theory needs expansion to incorporate multi-trait evolution in spatial interactions.

Conclusions:

• Integrating dispersal evolution with interaction trait evolution provides a more realistic framework for metacommunities.
• Future research should incorporate disease ecology and spatial structure (networks, heterogeneity) for advanced predictions.