Experimental coevolution with bacteria and phage. The Pseudomonas fluorescens--Phi2 model system.
Parasites are ubiquitous in biological systems and antagonistic coevolution between hosts and parasites is thought be a major ecological and evolutionary force. Recent experiments using laboratory populations of bacteria and their parasitic viruses, phage, have provided the first direct empirical evidence of antagonistic coevolution in action. In this article we describe this model system and synthesise recent findings that address the causes and consequences of antagonistic coevolution.
Brockhurst
Michael A
MA
School of Biological Sciences, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK. michael.brockhurst@liv.ac.uk
Morgan
Andrew D
AD
Fenton
Andrew
A
Buckling
Angus
A
D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000235:genetics*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D008954:Models, Biological; D011551:Pseudomonas fluorescens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000821:virology*