Abstract
Abstract Much of the evolutionary study of species is retrospective and reconstructs the past processes leading to extant diversity. Yet the nature of species and extent of diversity has profound implications for adaptation to ongoing environmental and biotic change. This chapter considers the significance of species and species boundaries for contemporary evolution. Simple theory and evidence is presented, showing how partial gene flow between co-occurring species alters the dynamics of evolution in changing environments. The chapter then focuses on gene transfer in microbial populations, showing how plasmids and phage target transfer to particular subsets of genes, and thereby optimize adaptation in fluctuating environments. The costs and benefits depend on the ecological interactions among the donor and recipient species. Different mechanisms have a different range of transfer, with phage being mainly restricted to species, but plasmids often transferring traits across greater taxonomic distances.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
