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Title: Eco-evolutionary effects of keystone genes
There is increasing evidence that genetic evolution can occur rapidly enough to affect the ecological dynamics of populations and communities ( 1 – 3 ). To better predict the future of ecosystems, it is necessary to understand how evolutionary changes within species influence and interact with ecological changes through processes known as “eco-evolutionary dynamics” ( 4 ). On page 70 of this issue, Barbour et al. ( 5 ) demonstrate that a gene affecting a plant’s resistance to herbivory also influences the persistence of the food web through the gene’s effect on plant growth (see the figure). Subsequent studies of natural selection in the wild can help explain how variations of such “keystone genes” can be maintained ( 6 , 7 ). The maintenance of genetic variation in keystone genes is required for eco-evolutionary dynamics to be perpetual rather than transient.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1638768
PAR ID:
10386346
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Science
Volume:
376
Issue:
6588
ISSN:
0036-8075
Page Range / eLocation ID:
30 to 31
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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