Synchronization in Ecological Networks: A Byproduct of Darwinian Evolution?

Dercole, F., Loiacono, D., & Rinaldi, S. (2006). Synchronization in Ecological Networks: A Byproduct of Darwinian Evolution? IIASA Interim Report. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: IR-06-068

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Abstract

The paper considers the evolution of a particular class of networks of identical chaotic oscillators, namely that of ecological networks. In these networks nodes represent patches where a certain number of plant and animal populations interact on ecological timescale, arcs represent migration flows due to dispersal, and Darwinian evolution is responsible of variations, on a longer evolutionary timescale, of the demographic parameters characterizing the populations. Up to now this problem has been studied only with reference to single-population patches described by one-dimensional discrete-time models and by considering only the dispersal rates of migrating populations as evolving trait. Here we propose a method of investigation which allows to study multi-population patches described by continuous-time models with evolving traits influencing various demographic parameters (including or not dispersal). The method is casted within the frame of the so-called master stability function approach for the analysis of synchronization of coupled systems, and the results obtained in a rst and very simple application support the conjecture that evolution drives ecological networks toward weak forms of synchronization.

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