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Rapid evolution allows coexistence of highly divergent lineages within the same niche
Author(s) -
Ward Ben A.,
Collins Sinead
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/ele.14061
Subject(s) - niche , biology , ecological niche , ecology , coexistence theory , biodiversity , competitive exclusion , niche differentiation , ecological selection , neutral theory of molecular evolution , selection (genetic algorithm) , evolutionary biology , competition (biology) , habitat , biochemistry , artificial intelligence , computer science , gene
Marine microbial communities are extremely complex and diverse. The number of locally coexisting species often vastly exceeds the number of identifiable niches, and taxonomic composition often appears decoupled from local environmental conditions. This is contrary to the view that environmental conditions should select for a few locally well‐adapted species. Here we use an individual‐based eco‐evolutionary model to show that virtually unlimited taxonomic diversity can be supported in highly evolving assemblages, even in the absence of niche separation. With a steady stream of heritable changes to phenotype, competitive exclusion may be weakened, allowing sustained coexistence of nearly neutral phenotypes with highly divergent lineages. This behaviour is robust even to abrupt environmental perturbations that might be expected to cause strong selection pressure and an associated loss of diversity. We, therefore, suggest that rapid evolution and individual‐level variability are key drivers of species coexistence and maintenance of microbial biodiversity.