1
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Lampo A, Palazzi MJ, Borge-Holthoefer J, Solé-Ribalta A. Structural dynamics of plant-pollinator mutualistic networks. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae209. [PMID: 38881844 PMCID: PMC11177885 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The discourse surrounding the structural organization of mutualistic interactions mostly revolves around modularity and nestedness. The former is known to enhance the stability of communities, while the latter is related to their feasibility, albeit compromising the stability. However, it has recently been shown that the joint emergence of these structures poses challenges that can eventually lead to limitations in the dynamic properties of mutualistic communities. We hypothesize that considering compound arrangements-modules with internal nested organization-can offer valuable insights in this debate. We analyze the temporal structural dynamics of 20 plant-pollinator interaction networks and observe large structural variability throughout the year. Compound structures are particularly prevalent during the peak of the pollination season, often coexisting with nested and modular arrangements in varying degrees. Motivated by these empirical findings, we synthetically investigate the dynamics of the structural patterns across two control parameters-community size and connectance levels-mimicking the progression of the pollination season. Our analysis reveals contrasting impacts on the stability and feasibility of these mutualistic communities. We characterize the consistent relationship between network structure and stability, which follows a monotonic pattern. But, in terms of feasibility, we observe nonlinear relationships. Compound structures exhibit a favorable balance between stability and feasibility, particularly in mid-sized ecological communities, suggesting they may effectively navigate the simultaneous requirements of stability and feasibility. These findings may indicate that the assembly process of mutualistic communities is driven by a delicate balance among multiple properties, rather than the dominance of a single one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniello Lampo
- Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos (GISC), Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Av. Universidad, 30 (edificio Sabatini), 28911 Leganés (Madrid), Spain
| | - María J Palazzi
- Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Rambla del Poblenou, 154 08018, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Javier Borge-Holthoefer
- Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Rambla del Poblenou, 154 08018, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Albert Solé-Ribalta
- Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Rambla del Poblenou, 154 08018, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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2
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Laine AL, Tylianakis JM. The coevolutionary consequences of biodiversity change. Trends Ecol Evol 2024:S0169-5347(24)00084-3. [PMID: 38705768 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Coevolutionary selection is a powerful process shaping species interactions and biodiversity. Anthropogenic global environmental change is reshaping planetary biodiversity, including by altering the structure and intensity of interspecific interactions. However, remarkably little is understood of how coevolutionary selection is changing in the process. Here, we outline three interrelated pathways - change in evolutionary potential, change in community composition, and shifts in interaction trait distributions - that are expected to redirect coevolutionary selection under biodiversity change. Assessing how both ecological and evolutionary rules governing species interactions are disrupted under anthropogenic global change is of paramount importance to understand the past, present, and future of Earth's biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Liisa Laine
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Viikinkaari 1 (PO Box 65), University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jason M Tylianakis
- Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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3
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Cosmo LG, Sales LP, Guimarães PR, Pires MM. Mutualistic coevolution and community diversity favour persistence in metacommunities under environmental changes. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20221909. [PMID: 36629106 PMCID: PMC9832548 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Linking local to regional ecological and evolutionary processes is key to understand the response of Earth's biodiversity to environmental changes. Here we integrate evolution and mutualistic coevolution in a model of metacommunity dynamics and use numerical simulations to understand how coevolution can shape species distribution and persistence in landscapes varying in space and time. Our simulations show that coevolution and species richness can synergistically shape distribution patterns by increasing colonization and reducing extinction of populations in metacommunities. Although conflicting selective pressures emerging from mutualisms may increase mismatches with the local environment and the rate of local extinctions, coevolution increases trait matching among mutualists at the landscape scale, counteracting local maladaptation and favouring colonization and range expansions. Our results show that by facilitating colonization, coevolution can also buffer the effects of environmental changes, preventing species extinctions and the collapse of metacommunities. Our findings reveal the mechanisms whereby coevolution can favour persistence under environmental changes and highlight that these positive effects are greater in more diverse systems that retain landscape connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro G. Cosmo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lilian P. Sales
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Science, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Paulo R. Guimarães
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mathias M. Pires
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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4
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L. Nuismer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844
| | - Bob Week
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Luke J. Harmon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844
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5
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Vidal MC, Anneberg TJ, Curé AE, Althoff DM, Segraves KA. The variable effects of global change on insect mutualisms. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 47:46-52. [PMID: 33771734 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Insect mutualisms are essential for reproduction of many plants, protection of plants and other insects, and provisioning of nutrients for insects. Disruption of these mutualisms by global change can have important implications for ecosystem processes. Here, we assess the general effects of global change on insect mutualisms, including the possible impacts on mutualistic networks. We find that the effects of global change on mutualisms are extremely variable, making broad patterns difficult to detect. We require studies focusing on changes in cost-benefit ratios, effects of partner dependency, and degree of specialization to further understand how global change will influence insect mutualism dynamics. We propose that rapid coevolution is one avenue by which mutualists can ameliorate the effects of global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra C Vidal
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA.
| | - Thomas J Anneberg
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Biology Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Anne E Curé
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - David M Althoff
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Kari A Segraves
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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6
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Garibaldi LA, Pérez-Méndez N, Cordeiro GD, Hughes A, Orr M, Alves-Dos-Santos I, Freitas BM, Freitas de Oliveira F, LeBuhn G, Bartomeus I, Aizen MA, Andrade PB, Blochtein B, Boscolo D, Drumond PM, Gaglianone MC, Gemmill-Herren B, Halinski R, Krug C, Maués MM, Piedade Kiill LH, Pinheiro M, Pires CSS, Viana BF. Negative impacts of dominance on bee communities: Does the influence of invasive honey bees differ from native bees? Ecology 2021; 102:e03526. [PMID: 34467526 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Invasive species can reach high abundances and dominate native environments. One of the most impressive examples of ecological invasions is the spread of the African subspecies of the honey bee throughout the Americas, starting from its introduction in a single locality in Brazil. The invasive honey bee is expected to more negatively impact bee community abundance and diversity than native dominant species, but this has not been tested previously. We developed a comprehensive and systematic bee sampling scheme, using a protocol deploying 11,520 pan traps across regions and crops for three years in Brazil. We found that invasive honey bees are now the single most dominant bee species. Such dominance has not only negative consequences for abundance and species richness of native bees but also for overall bee abundance (i.e., strong "numerical" effects of honey bees). Contrary to expectations, honey bees did not have stronger negative impacts than other native bees achieving similar levels of dominance (i.e., lack of negative "identity" effects of honey bees). These effects were markedly consistent across crop species, seasons and years, and were independent from land-use effects. Dominance could be a proxy of bee community degradation and more generally of the severity of ecological invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Garibaldi
- Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural, Mitre 630, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, 8400, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural, Mitre 630, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, 8400, Argentina
| | | | - Guaraci D Cordeiro
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Kapitelgasse 4/6, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Alice Hughes
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Michael Orr
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Isabel Alves-Dos-Santos
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n° 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Breno M Freitas
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Laboratório de Abelhas, Campus do Pici - R. Cinco, 100 - Pres. Kennedy, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60455-970, Brazil
| | - Favízia Freitas de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bionomia, Biogeografia e Sistemática de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, n° 668, Campus Universitário de Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, 40170-115, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Estudos Inter e Transdisciplinares em Ecologia e Evolução, 1154, R. Barão de Jeremoabo, 668 - Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, 40170-115, Brazil
| | - Gretchen LeBuhn
- San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, California, 94132, USA
| | - Ignasi Bartomeus
- Estación Biológica de Doñana del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Cartuja TA-10, Edificio I, C. Américo Vespucio, s/n, Sevilla, 41092, Spain
| | - Marcelo A Aizen
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET, Quintral 1250, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, 8400, Argentina
| | - Patricia B Andrade
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Laboratório de Abelhas, Campus do Pici - R. Cinco, 100 - Pres. Kennedy, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60455-970, Brazil
| | - Betina Blochtein
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Danilo Boscolo
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Estudos Inter e Transdisciplinares em Ecologia e Evolução, 1154, R. Barão de Jeremoabo, 668 - Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, 40170-115, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Patricia M Drumond
- Embrapa Mid-North, Av. Duque de Caxias n 5650 Buenos Aires, Teresina, Piauí, C.P 001 - 64008-780, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Gaglianone
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque California, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | | | - Rosana Halinski
- Escola Politécnica, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 - Prédio 30 - Partenon, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Krug
- Centro de Pesquisa Agroflorestal, Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, Rodovia AM 010 Km 29 Estrada Manau/Itacoatiara, Manaus, Amazonas, 69010-970, Brazil
| | - Márcia Motta Maués
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Trav. Dr. Enéas Pinheiro, s/n°, Bairro do Marco, Belém, Pará, 66095-100, Brazil
| | - Lucia H Piedade Kiill
- Embrapa Tropical Semi-Arid, Rodovia BR-428, Km 152, Zona Rural, Petrolina, Pernambuco, 56302-970, Brazil
| | - Mardiore Pinheiro
- Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, R. Major Antônio Cardoso 590, Cerro Largo, Rio Grande do Sul, 97900-000, Brazil
| | - Carmen S S Pires
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB, Av. W5 Norte (final), Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Blandina Felipe Viana
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Estudos Inter e Transdisciplinares em Ecologia e Evolução, 1154, R. Barão de Jeremoabo, 668 - Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, 40170-115, Brazil.,Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 1154, R. Barão de Jeremoabo, 668 - Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, 40170-115, Brazil
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7
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Pedraza F, Bascompte J. The joint role of coevolutionary selection and network structure in shaping trait matching in mutualisms. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211291. [PMID: 34403630 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coevolution can sculpt remarkable trait similarity between mutualistic partners. Yet, it remains unclear which network topologies and selection regimes enhance trait matching. To address this, we simulate coevolution in topologically distinct networks under a gradient of mutualistic selection strength. We describe three main insights. First, trait matching is jointly influenced by the strength of mutualistic selection and the structural properties of the network where coevolution is unfolding. Second, the strength of mutualistic selection determines the network descriptors better correlated with higher trait matching. While network modularity enhances trait matching when coevolution is weak, network connectance does so when coevolution is strong. Third, the structural properties of networks outrank those of modules or species in determining the degree of trait matching. Our findings suggest networks can both enhance or constrain trait matching, depending on the strength of mutualistic selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pedraza
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Bascompte
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
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8
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Van Goor J, Piatscheck F, Houston DD, Nason JD. Differential effects of nematode infection on pollinating and non-pollinating fig wasps: Can shared antagonism provide net benefits to a mutualism? J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:1764-1775. [PMID: 33934356 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Species pairs that form mutualistic associations are also components of broader organismal community networks. These interaction networks have shaped the evolution of individual mutualisms through interspecific interactions ranging from secondarily mutualistic to intensely antagonistic. Our understanding of this complex context remains limited because characterizing the impacts of species interacting with focal mutualists is often difficult. How is the fitness of mutualists impacted by the co-occurring interactive network of community associates? We investigated this context using a model interaction network comprised of a fig and fig wasp mutualist, eight non-pollinating fig wasp (NPFW) antagonists/commensals and a nematode previously believed to be associated only with the pollinator wasp mutualist. Through repeated sampling and field observations, we characterized the ecological roles of these mutualist-associated organisms to identify key antagonists. We then investigated how potential nematode infection of NPFWs could impact wasp survival across key life stages and, in turn, inferred how this influences the fitness of the fig-pollinator mutualists. Unexpectedly, we found all Ficus petiolaris-associated NPFWs to be the targets for nematode infection, with infection levels sometimes exceeding that of pollinators. Experimental data collected for the most abundant NPFW species suggest that nematode infection significantly reduces their longevity. Further, comparisons of nematode loads for emerging and successfully arriving NPFWs suggest that infection severely limits their dispersal ability. Through these observations, we conclude that this infection could impact NPFWs more severely than either mutualistic partner, suggesting a novel role of density-dependent facultative mutualism between figs, pollinator wasps and the nematode. This antagonist-mediated suppression of other network antagonists may present an ecologically common mechanism through which antagonists can present net benefits for mutualists' fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Van Goor
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Finn Piatscheck
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Derek D Houston
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Western Colorado University, Gunnison, CO, USA
| | - John D Nason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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9
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Quides KW, Salaheldine F, Jariwala R, Sachs JL. Dysregulation of host-control causes interspecific conflict over host investment into symbiotic organs. Evolution 2021; 75:1189-1200. [PMID: 33521949 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microbial mutualists provide substantial benefits to hosts that feed back to enhance the fitness of the associated microbes. In many systems, beneficial microbes colonize symbiotic organs, specialized host structures that house symbionts and mediate resources exchanged between parties. Mutualisms are characterized by net benefits exchanged among members of different species, however, inequalities in the magnitude of these exchanges could result in evolutionary conflict, destabilizing the mutualism. We investigated joint fitness effects of root nodule formation, the symbiotic organ of legumes that house nitrogen-fixing rhizobia in planta. We quantified host and symbiont fitness parameters dependent on the number of nodules formed using near-isogenic Lotus japonicus and Mesorhizobium loti mutants, respectively. Empirically estimated fitness functions suggest that legume and rhizobia fitness is aligned as the number of nodules formed increases from zero until the host optimum is reached, a point where aligned fitness interests shift to diverging fitness interests between host and symbiont. However, fitness conflict was only inferred when analyzing wild-type hosts along with their mutants dysregulated for control over nodule formation. These data demonstrate that to avoid conflict, hosts must tightly regulate investment into symbiotic organs maximizing their benefit to cost ratio of associating with microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro W Quides
- Department of Evolution Ecology and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA.,Current Institution: Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Fathi Salaheldine
- Department of Evolution Ecology and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA
| | - Ruchi Jariwala
- Department of Evolution Ecology and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA
| | - Joel L Sachs
- Department of Evolution Ecology and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA.,Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
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10
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Vidal MC, Segraves KA. Coevolved mutualists experience fluctuating costs and benefits over time. Evolution 2021; 75:219-230. [PMID: 33368192 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how mutualisms persist over time requires investigations of how mutualist species coevolve and adapt to the interaction. In particular, the key factors in the evolution of mutualisms are the costs and benefits mutualists experience during the interaction. Here, we used a yeast nutritional mutualism to test how mutualists coevolve and adapt in an obligate mutualism. We allowed two yeast mutualists to evolve together for 15 weeks (about 150 generations), and then we tested if the mutualists had coevolved using time-shift assays. We also examined two mutualistic traits associated with the costs and benefits: resource use efficiency and commodity production. We found that the mutualists quickly coevolved. Furthermore, the changes in benefits and costs were nonlinear and varied with evolutionary changes occurring in the mutualist partner. One mutualist initially evolved to reduce mutualistic commodity production and increase efficiency in mutualistic resource use; however, this negatively affected its mutualist partner that evolved reduced commodity production and resource use efficiency. As a result, the former increased commodity production, resulting in an increase in benefits for its partner. The quick, nonlinear, and asynchronous evolution of yeast mutualists closely resembles antagonistic coevolutionary patterns, supporting the view that mutualisms should be considered as reciprocal exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra C Vidal
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 13244.,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, 02125
| | - Kari A Segraves
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 13244
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11
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Coux C, Donoso I, Tylianakis JM, García D, Martínez D, Dehling DM, Stouffer DB. Tricky partners: native plants show stronger interaction preferences than their exotic counterparts. Ecology 2020; 102:e03239. [PMID: 33125718 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In ecological networks, neutral predictions suggest that species' interaction frequencies are proportional to their relative abundances. Deviations from neutral predictions thus correspond to interaction preferences (when positive) or avoidances (when negative), driven by nonneutral (e.g., niche-based) processes. Exotic species interact with many partners with which they have not coevolved, and it remains unclear whether this systematically influences the strength of neutral processes on interactions, and how these interaction-level differences scale up to entire networks. To fill this gap, we compared interactions between plants and frugivorous birds at nine forest sites in New Zealand varying in the relative abundance and composition of native and exotic species, with independently sampled data on bird and plant abundances from the same sites. We tested if the strength and direction of interaction preferences differed between native and exotic species. We further evaluated whether the performance of neutral predictions at the site level was predicted by the proportion of exotic interactions in each network from both bird and plant perspectives, and the species composition in each site. We found that interactions involving native plants deviated more strongly from neutral predictions than did interactions involving exotics. This "pickiness" of native plants could be detrimental in a context of global biotic homogenization where they could be increasingly exposed to novel interactions with neutrally interacting mutualists. However, the realization of only a subset of interactions in different sites compensated for the neutrality of interactions involving exotics, so that neutral predictions for whole networks did not change systematically with the proportion of exotic species or species composition. Therefore, the neutral and niche processes that underpin individual interactions may not scale up to entire networks. This shows that seemingly simplistic neutral assumptions entail complex processes and can provide valuable understanding of community assembly or invasion dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Coux
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Isabel Donoso
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt (Main), 60325, Germany.,Departamento Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Biodiversidad (UMIB, CSIC-UO-PA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, 33071, Spain
| | - Jason M Tylianakis
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Daniel García
- Departamento Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Biodiversidad (UMIB, CSIC-UO-PA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, 33071, Spain
| | - Daniel Martínez
- Departamento Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Biodiversidad (UMIB, CSIC-UO-PA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, 33071, Spain
| | - D Matthias Dehling
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Daniel B Stouffer
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
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12
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Yoder JB, Gomez G, Carlson CJ. Zygomorphic flowers have fewer potential pollinator species. Biol Lett 2020; 16:20200307. [PMID: 32871089 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Botanists have long identified bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic) flowers with more specialized pollination interactions than radially symmetrical (actinomorphic) flowers. Zygomorphic flowers facilitate more precise contact with pollinators, guide pollinator behaviour and exclude less effective pollinators. However, whether zygomorphic flowers are actually visited by a smaller subset of available pollinator species has not been broadly evaluated. We compiled 53 609 floral visitation records in 159 communities and classified the plants' floral symmetry. Globally and within individual communities, plants with zygomorphic flowers are indeed visited by fewer species. At the same time, zygomorphic flowers share a somewhat larger proportion of their visitor species with other co-occurring plants and have particularly high sharing with co-occurring plants that also have zygomorphic flowers. Visitation sub-networks for zygomorphic species also show differences that may arise from reduced visitor diversity, including greater connectance, greater web asymmetry and lower coextinction robustness of both plants and visitor species-but these changes do not necessarily translate to whole plant-visitor communities. These results provide context for widely documented associations between zygomorphy and diversification and imply that species with zygomorphic flowers may face a greater risk of extinction due to pollinator loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy B Yoder
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Los Angeles, CA 91330, USA
| | - Giancarlo Gomez
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Los Angeles, CA 91330, USA
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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13
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Iriart V, Baucom RS, Ashman TL. Herbicides as anthropogenic drivers of eco-evo feedbacks in plant communities at the agro-ecological interface. Mol Ecol 2020; 30:5406-5421. [PMID: 32542840 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Herbicides act as human-mediated novel selective agents and community disruptors, yet their full effects on eco-evolutionary dynamics in natural communities have only begun to be appreciated. Here, we synthesize how herbicide exposures can result in dramatic phenotypic and compositional shifts within communities at the agro-ecological interface and how these in turn affect species interactions and drive plant (and plant-associates') evolution in ways that can feedback to continue to affect the ecology and ecosystem functions of these assemblages. We advocate a holistic approach to understanding these dynamics that includes plastic changes and plant community transformations and also extends beyond this single trophic level targeted by herbicides to the effects on nontarget plant-associated organisms and their potential to evolve, thereby embracing the complexity of these real-world systems. We make explicit recommendations for future research to achieve this goal and specifically address impacts of ecology on evolution, evolution on ecology and their feedbacks so that we can gain a more predictive view of the fates of herbicide-impacted communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Iriart
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Regina S Baucom
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tia-Lynn Ashman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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14
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Segar ST, Fayle TM, Srivastava DS, Lewinsohn TM, Lewis OT, Novotny V, Kitching RL, Maunsell SC. The Role of Evolution in Shaping Ecological Networks. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:454-466. [PMID: 32294426 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The structure of ecological networks reflects the evolutionary history of their biotic components, and their dynamics are strongly driven by ecoevolutionary processes. Here, we present an appraisal of recent relevant research, in which the pervasive role of evolution within ecological networks is manifest. Although evolutionary processes are most evident at macroevolutionary scales, they are also important drivers of local network structure and dynamics. We propose components of a blueprint for further research, emphasising process-based models, experimental evolution, and phenotypic variation, across a range of distinct spatial and temporal scales. Evolutionary dimensions are required to advance our understanding of foundational properties of community assembly and to enhance our capability of predicting how networks will respond to impending changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon T Segar
- Biology 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.
| | - Tom M Fayle
- Biology 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; Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation,Universiti Malaysia Sabah,Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Diane S Srivastava
- Department of Zoology & Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia6270 University Blvd Vancouver BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Thomas M Lewinsohn
- Departamento Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-870, São Paulo, Brazil; Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Berlin 14193, Germany
| | - Owen T Lewis
- Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Vojtech Novotny
- Biology 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
| | - Roger L Kitching
- Environmental Futures Research Institute,Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Sarah C Maunsell
- Department of Organismic and EvolutionaryBiology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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15
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Abstract
Ecological interactions shape adaptations through coevolution not only between pairs of species but also through entire multispecies assemblages. Local coevolution can then be further altered through spatial processes that have been formally partitioned in the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution. A major current challenge is to understand the spatial patterns of coadaptation that emerge across ecosystems through the interplay between gene flow and selection in networks of interacting species. Here, we combine a coevolutionary model, network theory, and empirical information on species interactions to investigate how gene flow and geographical variation in selection affect trait patterns in mutualistic networks. We show that gene flow has the surprising effect of favoring trait matching, especially among generalist species in species-rich networks typical of pollination and seed dispersal interactions. Using an analytical approximation of our model, we demonstrate that gene flow promotes trait matching by making the adaptive landscapes of different species more similar to each other. We use this result to show that the progressive loss of gene flow associated with habitat fragmentation may undermine coadaptation in mutualisms. Our results therefore provide predictions of how spatial processes shape the evolution of species-rich interactions and how the widespread fragmentation of natural landscapes may modify the coevolutionary process.
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