The role of evolutionary processes in determining trophic structure

Abstract

The productivity of populations can limit the biomass of their consumers, while consumption by these consumers can in turn limit the biomass of the populations they feed on. These two mechanisms, known as bottom–up and top–down control, collectively influence biomass distributions within ecosystems. However, the impact of evolutionary processes on these control mechanisms remain less understood. We address this question using REvoSim, an agent-based eco-evolutionary simulation tool. Our findings suggest that the dominant type of control exerted on trophic level biomass is contingent upon the organisms’ evolutionary capacity to optimise energy acquisition. This highlights the significance of adaptive constrains in shaping ecosystems over evolutionary timescales.