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Eco-evolutionary interactions with multiple evolving species reveal both antagonistic and additive effects.
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  • Héléne Vanvelk,
  • Lynn Govaert,
  • Edwin van den Berg,
  • Luc De Meester
Héléne Vanvelk
KU Leuven

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Lynn Govaert
Leibniz Institute für Gewasserökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB)
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Edwin van den Berg
KU Leuven
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Luc De Meester
KU Leuven
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Abstract

Most eco-evolutionary research focuses on ecological effects of single-species evolution. We therefore know little of eco-evolutionary dynamics when multiple species evolve simultaneously. We quantified evolution-mediated ecological effects in communities equivalent in genetic diversity and starting biomass, but different in selection background (heatwave exposure) of one or all four zooplankton species (three Daphnia and one Scapholeberis species). We observed transient eco-evolutionary effects that differed depending on which species in the community had evolved. Evolution did not always lead to higher abundances of the evolved species. Indirect effects on species abundances caused by evolution of another species could be as strong as direct effects mediated by its own evolution. The cumulative effect of evolution in multiple species was antagonistic for community composition and grazing pressure but additive for community-wide biomass. Our results imply that focusing on single species’ evolutionary effects on ecology may lead to unreliable predictions when multiple species evolve simultaneously.
18 Apr 2024Submitted to Ecology Letters
18 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
18 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
18 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
22 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Jul 20241st Revision Received
22 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
22 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
26 Jul 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
10 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Sep 20242nd Revision Received
11 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
11 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
17 Sep 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
06 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Oct 20243rd Revision Received
07 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
07 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
08 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
10 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Accept