A new version of this entry is available:

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Article
2023

Eco-evolutionary dynamics in two-species mutualistic systems: one-sided population decline triggers joint interaction disinvestment

Abstract (English)

The interplay between ecological and evolutionary dynamics can create feedback that reinforces external disturbances and potentially threatens species’ coexistence. For example, plants might invest less into attracting insect pollinators (decreased flower or nectar production) and more into independence (increased selfing or vegetative reproduction) when faced with pollinator decline. This adaptive response saves plant resources at the cost of further threatening the pollinator population. We ask under which conditions such self-reinforcing feedback occurs in two-species mutualistic systems when considering one-sided population decline and whether it can be counteracted by self-dampening feedback if co-evolution of both interaction partners is considered. Based on a mathematical model and in line with previous studies, we find that the described pattern of accelerated population decline occurs for a wide range of parameter values if a concave allocation trade-off between independent growth and interaction investment is assumed. The undisturbed population typically disinvests first, which then forces the declining population to also disinvest, in favour of other energy sources. However, a decelerated population decline can occur if the adaptation of the undisturbed partner is relatively slow compared to environmental decay, reducing the speed of its disinvestment, or if the initial investment into the interaction was very high. Our results suggest that if actions are taken to save endangered populations, not only the evolution of the target species but also of their interaction partner, as well as the interaction between them should be considered.

File is subject to an embargo until

This is a correction to:

A correction to this entry is available:

This is a new version of:

Other version

Notes

Publication license

Publication series

Published in

Evolutionary ecology, 37 (2023), 981-999. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10682-023-10264-2. ISSN: 1573-8477

Other version

Faculty

Institute

Examination date

Supervisor

Cite this publication

Weyerer, F., Weinbach, A., Zarfl, C., & Allhoff, K. T. (2023). Eco-evolutionary dynamics in two-species mutualistic systems: one-sided population decline triggers joint interaction disinvestment. Evolutionary ecology, 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10682-023-10264-2

Edition / version

Citation

DOI

ISSN

ISBN

Language

English

Publisher

Publisher place

Classification (DDC)

570 Biology

Original object

University bibliography

Standardized keywords (GND)

Sustainable Development Goals

BibTeX

@article{Weyerer2023, doi = {10.1007/s10682-023-10264-2}, author = {Weyerer, Franz and Weinbach, Avril and Zarfl, Christiane et al.}, title = {Eco-evolutionary dynamics in two-species mutualistic systems: one-sided population decline triggers joint interaction disinvestment}, journal = {Evolutionary Ecology}, year = {2023}, volume = {37}, pages = {981--999}, }

Share this publication