The evolution of mutualistic interactions and of aggregated dispersal
Lead Research Organisation:
Royal Holloway University of London
Department Name: Biological Sciences
Abstract
Mutualisms --interactions in which both partners receive a net benefit-- have long
fascinated biologists. In contrast to the evolution of altruism --beneficial interactions
within a species-- the evolution of mutualism is less well understood. Here we will
develop a theory for the evolution of mutualism based on a mathematical model for
interactors in a collection of demes, using an adaptive dynamics approach. An
important factor in the evolution of mutualism is aggregated dispersal. We will study
how clumps of dispersers of different species can favour the evolution of a mutualism
and whether, if a mutualism exists, aggregation will evolve.TBC
fascinated biologists. In contrast to the evolution of altruism --beneficial interactions
within a species-- the evolution of mutualism is less well understood. Here we will
develop a theory for the evolution of mutualism based on a mathematical model for
interactors in a collection of demes, using an adaptive dynamics approach. An
important factor in the evolution of mutualism is aggregated dispersal. We will study
how clumps of dispersers of different species can favour the evolution of a mutualism
and whether, if a mutualism exists, aggregation will evolve.TBC
People |
ORCID iD |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/T008709/1 | 30/09/2020 | 29/09/2028 | |||
| 2870004 | Studentship | BB/T008709/1 | 30/09/2023 | 29/09/2027 |