IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Abrams, P.A. | |
| The evolution of predator-prey interactions: Theory and evidence | |
| 2000 Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics (31): 79-105 | |
Recent theories regarding the evolution of predator-prey interactions is reviewed. This includes theory about the dynamics and stability of both populations and traits, as well as theory predicting how predatory and anti-predator traits should respond to environmental changes. Evolution can stabilize or destabilize interactions; stability is most likely when only the predator evolves, or when traists in one or both species are under strong stabilizing selection. Stability seems least likely when there is coevolution and a bi-directional axis of prey vulnerability. When population cycles exist, adaption may either increase or decrease the amplitude of those cycles. An increase in the defensive ability of prey is less likely to produce evolutionary countermeasures in its partner than is a comparaale increase in attack ability of the predator. Increased productivity may increase or decrease offensive and defensive adaptions. The apparent predominance of evolutionary respoonses of prey to predators over those of predators to prey is in general accord with equillibrium theory, but theory on stability may be difficult to confirm or refute. Recent work on geographically structured populations promises to advance our understanding of the evolution of predator-prey interactions. |
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