Phylogentic constraints, adaptive syndromes, and emergent properties: From individuals to population dynamics

Abstract

AbstractThe hypothesis is developed that there are causal linkages in evolved insect herbivore life histories and behaviors from phylogenetic constraints to adaptive syndromes to the emergent properties involving ecological interactions and population dynamics. Thus the argument is developed that the evolutionary biology of a species predetermines its current ecology.Phylogenetic Constraints refer to old characters in the phylogeny of a species and a group of species which set limits on the range of life history patterns and behaviors that can evolve. For example, a sawfly is commonly limited to oviposition in soft plant tissue, while plants are growing rapidly.Adaptive Syndromes are evolutionary responses to the phylogenetic constraints that minimize the limitations and maximize larval performance. Such syndromes commonly involve details of female ovipositional behavior and how individuals make choices for oviposition sites relative to plant quality variation which maximize larval survival. Syndromes also involve larval adaptations to the kinds of choices females make in oviposition. The evolutionary biology involved with phylogenetic constraints and adaptive syndromes commonly predetermines the ecological interactions of a species and its population dynamics. Therefore, these ecological interactions are calledEmergent Properties because they are natural consequences of evolved morphology, behavior, and physiology. They commonly strongly influence the three‐trophic‐level interactions among host plants, insect herbivores, and carnivores, and the relative forces of bottom‐up and top‐down influences in food webs. The arguments are supported using such examples as galling sawflies and other gallers, shoot‐boring moths and beetles, budworms, and forest Macrolepidoptera. The contrasts between outbreak or eruptive species and uncommon and rare species with latent population dynamics are emphasized.