Effects of Negative Ecological Interactions on Extinction Times
Author Information
Author(s): Adam G. Jones
Primary Institution: Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
What are the effects of negative ecological interactions on expected times to extinction in two-species communities evolving in response to a changing environment?
Conclusion
Negative species interactions can have unexpected positive effects on times to extinction.
Supporting Evidence
- Negative ecological interactions can sometimes increase times to extinction.
- Under certain conditions, predation can help prey species persist longer.
- Competition can also have positive effects on extinction times for some species.
Takeaway
Sometimes, when two species interact negatively, it can actually help them survive longer instead of making them go extinct faster.
Methodology
The study used a quantitative genetic model to simulate the interactions between two species under changing environmental conditions.
Limitations
The model assumes that the same trait mediates the species interaction and responds to environmental change, which may not always be the case.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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