Trait evolution in an individual-based model of herbaceous vegetation

Citation
J. Warren et C. Topping, Trait evolution in an individual-based model of herbaceous vegetation, EVOL ECOL, 15(1), 2001, pp. 15-35
Citations number
22
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Environment/Ecology
Journal title
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
ISSN journal
0269-7653 → ACNP
Volume
15
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
15 - 35
Database
ISI
SICI code
0269-7653(2001)15:1<15:TEIAIM>2.0.ZU;2-H
Abstract
Many theoretical studies of evolution are based upon the concepts of the ev olutionary stable strategy and optimal life-history solutions. An individua l based model of vegetation is used to simulate life-history evolution unde r two different sets of environmental conditions. At one level the results suggest that optimal life-history solutions do appear to evolve. At the end of the simulations the vegetation that evolved in a fertile and uncut envi ronment was taller, thinner and germinated later than that which developed in a less fertile and cut habitat. However, between simulation variation wa s observed to be high, particularly for the parameter regulating the timing of reproduction, and it showed no indication of reaching fixation. When th is trait was prevented from mutating, the variances of other traits were se en to increase. Although at the population level between simulation variati on was high, some traits achieved a degree of stability within simulations, suggesting that multiple adaptive peaks may be being approached. However, there was little evidence of trait fixation occurring within the most abund ant 'genotype'. It is considered that frequency dependent selection/Red Que en dynamics may be acting to prevent the most abundant 'genotype' from reac hing fixation. It is argued that if such processes prevent optimal genetic solutions from being achieved then the search for evolutionary stable strat egies within the evolution of life-histories may be over simplistic.