Understanding the effect of competition during evolutionary radiations : an integrated model of phenotypic and species diversification
Leandro Aristide, Hélène Morlon
Abstract
Competition can drive macroevolutionary change, for example during adaptive radiations. However, we still lack a clear understanding of how it shapes diversification processes and patterns. To better understand the macroevolutionary consequences of competition, as well as the signal left on phylogenetic data, we developed a model linking trait evolution and species diversification in an ecological context. We find four main results : first, competition spurs trait diversity but not necessarily species richness ; second, competition produces slowdowns in species diversification even in the absence of explicit ecological limits, but not in phenotypic diversification even in the presence of such limits ; third, early burst patterns do not provide a reliable way of testing for adaptive radiations ; and fourth, looking for phylogenetic signal in trait data and support for phenotypic models incorporating competition is a better alternative. Our results clarify the macroevolutionary consequences of competition and could help design more powerful tests of adaptive radiations in nature.
Ecol Lett. 2019 Sep 10. doi : 10.1111/ele.13385.
