Alternative designs and the evolution of functional diversity.
According to conventional wisdom, functional diversity is exclusively a consequence of species having evolved adaptations to fill different niches within a heterogeneous environment. This view anticipates only one optimal combination of trait values in a given environment, but it is also conceivable that alternative designs of equal fitness in the same environment might evolve. To investigate that possibility, we use a genetic algorithm to search for optimal combinations of 34 functional traits in a realistic model of tree seedling growth and survival. We show that separate lineages of seedlings evolving in identical environments result in many alternative functional designs of approximately equal fitness.
Biology Department, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada. cmarks@po-box.mcgill.ca
Christian O
CO
Marks
Martin J
MJ
Lechowicz
D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006128:Growth; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009026:Mortality; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D014197:Trees / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*