loading page

Rapid evolution allows coexistence of highly divergent lineages within the same niche
  • Ben Ward,
  • Sinead Collins
Ben Ward
University of Southampton

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Sinead Collins
Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh
Author Profile

Abstract

Marine microbial ecosystems underpin global biogeochemical cycles and play a central role in the regulation of Earth's climate. These communities are extremely diverse, and their taxonomic composition varies considerably across ocean basins. It has however been difficult to establish links between taxonomic diversity and ecosystem function, and the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms underpinning taxonomic variation are not well understood. Here we use an individual-based eco-evolutionary model in which taxonomic diversity emerges as a consequence of evolutionary history. Using this model we are able to show that virtually unlimited genetic divergence can be supported in highly abundant and rapidly evolving assemblages, even in the absence of niche separation. With a steady stream of genetic, epigenetic and plastic heritable changes to phenotype, competitive exclusion may be weakened, allowing sustained coexistence of nearly neutral phenotypes with highly divergent lineages. This response may help to explain observed patterns of taxonomic diversity and functional redundancy - without recourse to hidden dimensions of niche partitioning. In light of these results we suggest that individual-level variability is a key driver of species coexistence and the maintenance of microbial biodiversity.
14 Dec 2021Submitted to Ecology Letters
03 Jan 2022Submission Checks Completed
03 Jan 2022Assigned to Editor
17 Jan 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
08 Feb 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Feb 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
01 Apr 20221st Revision Received
05 Apr 2022Submission Checks Completed
05 Apr 2022Assigned to Editor
15 Apr 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 May 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 May 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
27 May 20222nd Revision Received
27 May 2022Submission Checks Completed
27 May 2022Assigned to Editor
27 May 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 May 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
Aug 2022Published in Ecology Letters volume 25 issue 8 on pages 1839-1853. 10.1111/ele.14061