Evolution of specialized microbial cooperation in dynamic fluids
Abstract
Here, we study the evolution of specialization using realistic computer simulations of bacteria that secrete two public goods in a dynamic fluid. Through this first‐principles approach, we find physical factors such as diffusion, flow patterns and decay rates are as influential as fitness economics in governing the evolution of community structure, to the extent that when mechanical factors are taken into account, (a) generalist communities can resist becoming specialists despite the invasion fitness of specialization; (b) generalist and specialists can both resist cheaters despite the invasion fitness of free‐riding; and (c) multiple community structures can coexist despite the opposing force of competitive exclusion. Our results emphasize the role of spatial assortment and physical forces on niche partitioning and the evolution of diverse community structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Feb 11, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1111/jeb.13593
Entities
People
- Dervis Can Vural
- Gurdip Uppal
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- National Science Foundation
- University of Notre Dame