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Partner dependency alters patterns of coevolutionary selection in mutualisms.
Mayra C Vidal1, Cong Liu1,2, Shengpei Wang3
1Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125.
Summary
Coevolutionary dynamics differ between facultative and obligate mutualisms. While both show coevolution, it is weaker and slower in facultative interactions, with less trait complementarity observed.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Microbial Ecology
Background:
- Coevolution drives diversification in species interactions, particularly in mutualisms where partners evolve complementary traits.
- Obligate mutualisms are well-studied, but facultative mutualisms, which are more common, remain less understood regarding their coevolutionary dynamics.
- Understanding coevolution in facultative mutualisms is crucial for comprehending ecological diversification and species persistence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate coevolutionary dynamics in facultative mutualism and compare them with obligate mutualisms.
- To assess the impact of mutualism dependency on the strength and rate of coevolution and trait evolution.
- To identify genetic differences, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), associated with coevolutionary selection in varying dependency levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a synthetic yeast mutualism system exchanging essential nutrients.
- Manipulated mutualism dependency by controlling resource availability in the environment.
- Employed time-shift assays, tracked trait evolution, and performed genotyping of evolved and ancestral strains.
Main Results:
- Coevolution was observed in both facultative and obligate mutualisms, but it was significantly weaker and slower in facultative interactions.
- Trait complementarity evolved in obligate mutualisms, but not in facultative ones.
- Obligate mutualists exhibited a higher number of SNPs under positive selection compared to facultative mutualists.
Conclusions:
- Mutualism dependency critically influences the strength of coevolution and the rate of trait evolution.
- The degree of dependency in mutualistic relationships shapes the evolutionary trajectories of interacting species.
- Findings highlight the importance of interaction context in driving evolutionary outcomes and diversification.
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