Abstract
Population expansions trigger many biomedical and ecological transitions, from tumor growth to invasions of non-native species. Although population spreading often selects for more invasive phenotypes, we show that this outcome is far from inevitable. In cooperative populations, mutations reducing dispersal have a competitive advantage. Such mutations then steadily accumulate at the expansion front, bringing invasion to a halt. Our findings are a rare example of evolution driving the population into an unfavorable state, and they could lead to new strategies to combat unwelcome invaders.
- Received 20 August 2015
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.115.208104
© 2015 American Physical Society
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Focus
Evolution Sometimes Slows Things Down
Published 13 November 2015
When a strongly cooperative species invades new territory, its spread can slow down or stop, according to a mathematical model, suggesting potential strategies against cancer and insect pests.
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