Food Webs and the Evolution of Organism Complexity
نویسنده
چکیده
This paper investigates the role of ecological interactions in the evolution of complexity through the results of simulations. Webworld is a robust model of evolution in food webs. It is extended for variability of organism complexity under evolution. Statistical and network analysis indicates a clear tendency for complexification within the model, led by adaptations that initially disconnect species from trophic interactions. This suggests a process where short term fitness is increased by less connection to the ecosystem, but long term fitness is insured by incorporation within the ecosystem. Certainly it suggests a greater role for ecosystems in the evolution of complexity.
منابع مشابه
An Ecological Approach to the Evolution of Organism Complexity
How evolution led to complex life is one of the great questions. This paper describes simulations that investigate the role of ecological interactions in the evolution of complexity. Webworld is a robust model of evolution in food webs. It is extended for variability of organism complexity under evolution. Statistical and network analysis indicates a clear tendency for complexification within t...
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