The propagation of disturbances in ecological networks

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 39(6), С. 558 - 570

Опубликована: Фев. 23, 2024

Язык: Английский

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Darwinian evolution as a dynamical principle

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 120(11)

Опубликована: Март 7, 2023

Darwinian evolution (DE)—biology’s powerful process of adaptation—is remarkably different from other known dynamical processes. It is antithermodynamic, driving away equilibrium; it has persisted for 3.5 billion years; and its target, fitness, can seem like “Just So” stories. For insights, we make a computational model. In the Evolution Machine (DEM) model, resource-driven duplication competition operate inside cycle search/compete/choose. We find following: 1) DE requires multiorganism coexistence long-term persistence ability to cross fitness valleys. 2) driven by resource dynamics, booms busts, not just mutational change. And, 3) ratcheting mechanistic separation between variation selection steps, perhaps explaining biology’s use separate polymers, DNA proteins.

Язык: Английский

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Origins of life: first came evolutionary dynamics

QRB Discovery, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 4

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2023

Abstract When life arose from prebiotic molecules 3.5 billion years ago, what came first? Informational (RNA, DNA), functional ones (proteins), or something else? We argue here for a different logic: rather than seeking molecule type , we seek dynamical process. Biology required an ability to evolve before it could choose and optimise materials. hypothesise that the evolution process was rooted in peptide folding Modelling shows how short random peptides can collapse water catalyse elongation of others, powering both increased stability emergent autocatalysis through disorder-to-order

Язык: Английский

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Towards a modular theory of trophic interactions

Functional Ecology, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 37(1), С. 26 - 43

Опубликована: Окт. 22, 2021

Abstract Species traits and environmental conditions determine the occurrence strength of trophic interactions. If we understand relationship between these factors interactions, can make more accurate predictions build better trophic‐interaction models. We compare by considering their effect on different parts (steps) a interaction, such as steps search pursuit . By linking to relevant steps, use relationships Currently, this is done ad hoc, defining based species interest. This makes it difficult across gain an overarching understanding how environment drive present comprehensive approach for explicit choice interaction or conditions, which readily integrated into existing The core framework that modular; eight occur in all interactions them modular, general dynamic model. When applying framework, one explicitly selects only most uses those specific To our modular revisit expand functional numerical response functions, dividing steps: (1) search, (2) prey detection, (3) attack decision, (4) pursuit, (5) subjugation, (6) ingestion, (7) digestion (8) nutrient allocation. Together form dynamical model where be parameterized multiple factors. then concretize outlining community modelled selecting key modules parameterizing exemplify terrestrial arthropods using empirical data body size temperature responses. With at dynamics, allows quantification comparisons importance traits, abiotic ecosystems types, provides powerful tool trait‐based prediction food‐web structure dynamics. A free Plain Language Summary found within Supporting Information article.

Язык: Английский

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A critical examination of models of annual‐plant population dynamics and density‐dependent fecundity

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 13(11), С. 2516 - 2530

Опубликована: Сен. 13, 2022

Abstract Mathematical models serve many purposes in biology. Each and every model is a necessary simplification of reality, and, as simplifications, these are also wrong by definition. And yet there ways to be wrong, some much greater concern than others. For example, paradoxical model‐based prediction may simply puzzling whereas unphysical variables (e.g. negative amounts time or temperatures below absolute zero) nonbiological abundances feeding rates) should avoided altogether. Here I analyse discrete‐time annual‐plant population dynamics three phenomenological for density‐dependent fecundity. These generally interchanged solely on the basis their statistical fit data. On other hand, highlight which hampers our ability capture known aspects then demonstrate how specify more flexible, biologically appropriate illustrate this model's behaviour interpretation single‐species multi‐species contexts. By constructing generative dynamics, can why emergent phenomena, such density dependence, emerge. Although my focus applied annual plants, biological implications extend modelling any species with discrete life cycle nonoverlapping generations. More broadly, exploration here showcases that criteria we could, arguably should, ground‐truth mathematical across

Язык: Английский

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In defense of the Type I functional response: The frequency and population-dynamic effects of feeding on multiple prey at a time

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Май 17, 2024

Abstract Ecologists differ in the degree to which they consider linear Type I functional response be an unrealistic versus sufficient representation of predator feeding rates. Empiricists tend it unsuitably non-mechanistic and theoreticians necessarily simple. Holling’s original rectilinear model is dismissed by satisfying neither desire, with most compromising on smoothly saturating II for searching handling are assumed mutually exclusive activities. We derive a “multiple-prey-at-a-time” generalization that includes III reflect predators can continue search when arbitrary number already-captured prey. The multi-prey clarifies empirical relevance models conditions under linearity mechanistically-reasoned description rates, even times long. find support presence 35% 2,591 compiled datasets, evidence larger predator-prey body-mass ratios permit while greater numbers Incorporating into Rosenzweig-MacArthur population-dynamics reveals non-exclusivity lead coexistence states dynamics not anticipated theory built traditional models. In particular, bistable fixed-point limit-cycle long-term crawl-by transients between them where abundance top-heavy food webs linear. conclude should considered empirically but also more bounded conclusions drawn presuming appropriate.

Язык: Английский

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Towards understanding interactions in a complex world: Design and analysis of multi‐species functional response experiments

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 15(9), С. 1704 - 1719

Опубликована: Июнь 23, 2024

Abstract The functional response describes feeding rates of consumers as a function resource density. While models for on single species are well studied and supported by large body empirical research, multiple ubiquitous in nature. However, laboratory experiments designed parameterizing multi‐species responses (MSFR) extremely rare, mainly due to logistical challenges the non‐trivial nature their statistical analysis. Here, we describe how these can be fitted data Bayesian framework. Specifically, address problem prey depletion during experiments, which accounted through dynamical modelling. In comprehensive simulation study, test effects experimental design, sample size noise level identifiability four distinct MSFR models. Additionally, demonstrate method's versatility applying it list datasets. We identify designs trials that produce most accurate parameter estimates two‐ three‐prey scenarios. Although introduces systematic bias estimates, model selection performs surprisingly MSFRs, almost always identifying correct even small This flexible framework allows simultaneous analysis from both single‐ multi‐prey scenarios, either with or without depletion. will help elucidate mechanisms such selectivity, switching implications food web stability biodiversity. Our approach equips researchers appropriate tools improve understanding interactions complex ecosystems.

Язык: Английский

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Food web functional responses

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 10

Опубликована: Авг. 9, 2022

This article reviews the nature of functional responses that have commonly been used to represent feeding relationships in ecological literature. It compares these with range response forms are likely characterize species natural communities. The latter set involves many more variables. history models, and examines previous work has allowed a predator single type prey depend on additional variables beyond abundance type. While number complex discussed over years, affecting rates still typically omitted from models food webs. influences trophic levels above or below particularly be ignored, although data suggested they can large effects response. adaptive behavior time-scale measurement also too often ignored. Some known unknown consequences omissions discussed.

Язык: Английский

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A mechanistic model of functional response provides new insights into indirect interactions among arctic tundra prey

Ecology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 103(8)

Опубликована: Апрель 25, 2022

Prey handling processes are considered a dominant mechanism leading to short-term positive indirect effects between prey that share predator. However, growing body of research indicates predators not necessarily limited by such in the wild. Density-dependent changes predator foraging behavior can also generate but they rarely included as explicit functions densities functional response models. With aim untangling proximate mechanisms species interactions natural communities and improving our ability quantify interaction strength, we extended multi-prey version Holling disk equation including density-dependent behavior. Our model, based on traits behavior, was inspired vertebrate community arctic tundra, where main (the fox) is an active forager feeding primarily cyclic small rodent (lemming) eggs various tundra-nesting bird species. Short-term lemmings birds have been documented over circumpolar Arctic underlying remain poorly understood. We used unique data set, containing high-frequency GPS tracking, accelerometer, behavioral, experimental parameterize 15-year time series nesting success evaluate strength found (1) play minor role system (2) fox daily activity budget distance traveled partly explain predation release observed during lemming peaks. These adjustments with respect density thus appear commonly reported among tundra prey. components little studied deserve more attention improve interactions.

Язык: Английский

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Out-of-equilibrium inference of feeding rates through population data from generic consumer-resource stochastic dynamics

Applied Mathematics and Computation, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 500, С. 129434 - 129434

Опубликована: Март 30, 2025

Язык: Английский

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