Model of naticid gastropod predator-prey coevolution
Size change over evolutionary time between two interacting species, a predatory naticid gastropod and its bivalve prey, is analyzed. We show that two simultaneous, maximizing algorithms (the predator maximizes energy intake; the prey maximizes reproductive output) result in an endogenous, coevolutionary size increase, to a stable attracting point. In particular, we show that selection for delayed reproduction in a predatorpreay system that is highly size-selective due to the predatory strategy of cost-benefit prey selection, coupled with the relative allometries of cost (prey shell thickness) and benefit (prey biomass) with prey size, and the highly size-dependent probability of successful predation, lead to a coevolutionary size increase for both predator and prey, up to a limit condition dictated by predatory respiration costs. In the absence of predation, the prey species attains a smaller size than in the presence of predation. Addition of the predator results in a delay in the timing of reproduction by the prey, thereby facilitating a size response.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); Wisconsin Univ., Madison (USA). Dept. of Geology and Geophysics
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- OSTI ID:
- 6571768
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-821152-1; ON: DE83004645
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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