The joint role of coevolutionary selection and network structure in shaping trait matching in mutualisms

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.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2021

Erschienen:

2021

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:288

Enthalten in:

Proceedings. Biological sciences - 288(2021), 1957 vom: 25. Aug., Seite 20211291

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Pedraza, Fernando [VerfasserIn]
Bascompte, Jordi [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Coevolution
Journal Article
Modularity
Mutualistic networks
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Species roles

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 21.10.2021

Date Revised 26.08.2022

published: Print-Electronic

figshare: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5545274

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1098/rspb.2021.1291

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM329472143