Journal article
Dos and don'ts of testing the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution
Heredity, Vol.98(5), pp.249-258
05/2007
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/110823
PMID: 17344805
Abstract
The geographic mosaic theory of coevolution is stimulating much new research on interspecific interactions. We provide a guide to the fundamental components of the theory, its processes and main predictions. Our primary objectives are to clarify misconceptions regarding the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution and to describe how empiricists can test the theory rigorously. In particular, we explain why confirming the three main predicted empirical patterns (spatial variation in traits mediating interactions among species, trait mismatching among interacting species and few species-level coevolved traits) does not provide unequivocal support for the theory. We suggest that strong empirical tests of the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution should focus on its underlying processes: coevolutionary hot and cold spots, selection mosaics and trait remixing. We describe these processes and discuss potential ways each can be tested.
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Details
- Title
- Dos and don'ts of testing the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution
- Creators
- R Gomulkiewicz - School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA. gomulki@wsu.eduD M DrownM F DybdahlW GodsoeS L NuismerK M PepinB J RidenhourC I SmithJ B Yoder
- Publication Details
- Heredity, Vol.98(5), pp.249-258
- Academic Unit
- Biological Sciences, School of
- Publisher
- England
- Identifiers
- 99900547045401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article