Figs and fig pollinators: evolutionary conflicts in a coevoled mutualism.
Figs and fig wasps form one of the best known examples of species-specific mutualism and coevolution. Recent experiments and observations have led to a better understanding of the evolutionary processes involved in the origin and maintenance of species interactions. The observed fine-tuned traits involve not only coevolution but also selection acting on only one of the partners. Furthermore, some of the 'fine-tuned traits' appear to be be preadaptions - traits that existed before the mutalism was establised.
ONRS-CEFE, 1919 route de Mende, BP 5051, 34033 Montpellier Cedex 01, France; CSIC, Estación Biolǵica de Doñana, Avda. de María Luisa s/n, Pabellón del Perú, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
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