Stage-structured cycles promote genetic diversity in a predator–prey system of Daphnia and algae

William A. Nelson (), Edward McCauley and Frederick J. Wrona
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William A. Nelson: University of Calgary
Edward McCauley: University of Calgary
Frederick J. Wrona: National Water Research Institute, University of Victoria

Nature, 2005, vol. 433, issue 7024, 413-417

Abstract: Time-share aids biodiversity Understanding how genetic diversity is maintained in nature is a fundamental problem. Existing theory assumes overly simple population dynamics, even though these dynamics are rarely supported by the evidence. For instance there is a paradox at the heart of ocean plankton ecology: how can so many different species coexist on substantially the same pool of resources, without one or other species coming to dominate? Elegant experiments involving the water-flea Daphnia and its algal prey suggest that the answer lies in the timing of the life stages of competing species. Each species includes groups of individuals at varying stages of life, with varying needs and varying abundances at different times of the year. As the peaks and troughs of abundance rarely coincide, there is enough room in the ecosystem for them all to coexist.

Date: 2005
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DOI: 10.1038/nature03212

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