Eco-evolutionary dynamics in predator-prey interactions: a quantitative genetic approach to predator-induced adaptations

Abstract

Several theoretical and empirical studies indicate that evolution may be rapid enough to affect ecological dynamics. Tracking and understanding the mechanisms underlying reciprocity between the effects of ecological and evolutionary dynamics is the central goal of the field of eco-evolutionary dynamics. Despite the evidences suggesting the importance of reciprocity in nature, there are many ecological processes that may mimicry the effects of evolution in ecology, obscuring its relevance. One alternative is to develop mechanistic mathematical models to clarify when and how evolution will not be trivial. In this work, we use mathematical models to explore the interplay among different theories in ecology and evolutionary biology. We analysed a set of differential equations describing the eco-evolutionary dynamics of predator-prey interactions. In the first chapter, we focused in how r=K theory interplays with eco-evolutionary dynamics. In the second chapter, we focused in how predator satiation affects the predictions of the stage-dependent predation hypothesis. Our general results are: 1) the outcome of interaction differs between r- and K-selective contexts; 2) predator preference can generate a fast-slow life-history continuum when stage structure is assumed. We discuss how r=K theory requires the assumption of stage structure to reflect life-history evolution and how the intersection of hypothesis may affect ecological predictions.