A new mathematical model reveals that hosts can gain a unique evolutionary advantage when interacting with parasites through multiple traits. This discovery may help explain how humans, plants, and animals evolve to withstand parasite attacks.
A new mathematical model simulates the effect of climate change on plant-pollinator relationships. In some cases, evolution can rescue mutually dependent species from extinction, but density and distribution of other species play a crucial role in their survival.
A new mathematical model predicts the location of mutations that lead to HIV-drug resistance, providing a potential solution to improve anti-HIV drug design. The study suggests that understanding these physical properties and interactions can help develop better strategies for combating the virus.
A new mathematical model integrates key factors influencing sympatric speciation, finding strong mate choice and resource variety more important than competition. This approach generates insights into biological diversity, suggesting that speciation can occur under ideal conditions.
A new mathematical model shows that species pairs can reemerge after collapse if the disturbance is removed. Hybridization between closely-related species can lead to population decline and biodiversity loss. The study suggests that ecosystem managers may be able to refill ecological niches, but not resurrect lost species.
A new model suggests that severing social interactions may not be the best approach to prevent disease spread during influenza outbreaks. The researchers found that a moderate increase in the price of interpersonal contact can lower the peak prevalence of the disease while increasing overall societal utility.
A mathematical model suggests culling will not control the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus threatening North American hibernating bats. The fungal pathogen occurs in caves and mines where bats live, making contact rates high among colonial bats.
A new mathematical model explores the emergence and collapse of complex societies via warfare, revealing that stability is strongly promoted by wealth, power, and well-defined succession mechanisms. The model also predicts 'chiefly cycles' of rapid growth and collapse due to warfare, which can occur without environmental disturbances.
A new study challenges the traditional prisoner's dilemma paradigm by suggesting that incentives to cooperate can minimize conflict and change the game from pure conflict to partial cooperation. The research, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, finds that payoffs from social interactions can evolve under certain conditions...
Researchers found that local populations of Joshua trees and their pollinating moths are not as biologically diverse as expected, contradicting previous theories. The study suggests that co-evolution between the species can actually decrease diversity within each species.
Ecological speciation is a main route for the emergence of new fungal diseases in plants, according to researchers. Fungi account for 30 percent of emerging infectious diseases in plants.
A study found that statistical tests using geographic distribution models can incorrectly infer changes in environmental requirements. The models often accurately identify similar environments but struggle with drastically different ones.
Researchers found that some trees promote fires to limit competition from better tree species, stabilizing savanna ecosystems. Savanna trees like longleaf pine shed needles, providing fuel for frequent low-intensity fires.