Experimental studies of community evolution. I: the response to selection at the community level

Abstract

Uses 2 species communities of Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum in an investigation of selection acting at the community level. Community selection, defined as the differential survival and or reproduction of communities, can result in significant changes in the phenotype of a community. Two types of correlated responses to selection were observed. 1) Within-species correlated responses to selection are changes in a trait measured in one species as a result of community selection acting on another trait measured in the same species. 2) Between-species correlated responses to selection, are changes in a trait measured in one species as a result of community selection acting on a trait measured in another species. -from Author