Hydrodynamic constraints on evolution of chemically mediated interactions between aquatic organisms in unidirectional flows

Abstract

Two hydrodynamic habitats can be defined in unidirectional flow: (1) A boundary where molecular diffusion dominates is found within roughly 1 mm of solid substrates. The actual thickness of this diffusion boundary is a function of current velocity and topography of the substrates. (2) A zone of turbulent flow is present outside the diffusion boundary where chemicals are rapidly diluted and transported downstream. The mode of chemically mediated interaction between organisms in streams is constrained differently depending on which of these two habitats they occupy. Within a diffusion boundary, reciprocal interaction between small organisms is possible because mixing is low, diffusion flux high, and organisms "share" the same water. Outside a diffusion boundary, in unidirectional flow, organisms unable to move effectively against flow are only chemically influenced by upstream organisms and can only influence downstream organisms. Organisms that are able to move upstream can interact reciprocally with other organisms, even if one or both organisms are found primarily in areas of turbulent mixing.