Mutualistic mimicry enhances species diversification through spatial segregation and extension of the ecological niche space
Authored by Marianne Elias, Thomas G Aubier, Violaine Llaurens, Nicolas Chazot
Date Published: 2017
DOI: 10.1111/evo.13182
Sponsors:
No sponsors listed
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
Species richness varies among clades, yet the drivers of diversification
creating this variation remain poorly understood. While abiotic factors
likely drive some of the variation in species richness, ecological
interactions may also contribute. Here, we examine one class of
potential contributors to species richness variation that is
particularly poorly understood: mutualistic interactions. We aim to
elucidate large-scale patterns of diversification mediated by
mutualistic interactions using a spatially explicit population-based
model. We focus on mutualistic Mullerian mimicry between conspicuous
toxic prey species, where convergence in color patterns emerges from
predators' learning process. To investigate the effects of Mullerian
mimicry on species diversification, we assume that some speciation
events stem from shifts in ecological niches, and can also be associated
with shift in mimetic color pattern. Through the emergence of spatial
mosaics of mimetic color patterns, Mullerian mimicry constrains the
geographical distribution of species and allows different species
occupying similar ecological niches to exist simultaneously in different
regions. Mullerian mimicry and the resulting spatial segregation of
mimetic color patterns thus generate more balanced phylogenetic trees
and increase overall species diversity. Our study sheds light on complex
effects of Mullerian mimicry on ecological, spatial, and phylogenetic
diversification.
Tags
Agent-based model
frequency-dependent selection
sympatric speciation
Natural-selection
Mutualism
Asymmetric competition
Range size
Reproductive
isolation
Warning-color
Shifting balance
Macroevolution
Mullerian mimicry
Phylogenetic trees
Heliconius
butterflies
Phylogenetic evidence