The division of labor: genotypic versus phenotypic specialization

The American Naturalist
L M Wahl

Abstract

A model of the division of labor in simple evolving systems is explored to compare two strategies evident in natural populations: phenotypic specialization (such as differentiation by regulated gene expression) and genotypic specialization (such as co-infection by complementary covirus populations). While genotypic specialization is vulnerable to the chance extinction of an essential specialist type and to parasitism, phenotypic specialization is able to overcome these hurdles. When simple spatial effects are included, phenotypic specialization has further benefits, protecting against destructive dynamic patterns. Many of the advantages of phenotypic specialization, however, can only be realized when a high degree of relatedness within groups is ensured.

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Citations

Feb 7, 2012·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Claus RuefflerGünter P Wagner
Jul 16, 2014·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Natalia L Komarova
Dec 21, 2002·Evolution & Development·Carl D Schlichting
Nov 21, 2007·Journal of Theoretical Biology·A E D'Orazio, T A Waite
Nov 23, 2007·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Matthew D Herron, Richard E Michod
Oct 10, 2018·Nature Microbiology·Anna DragošÁkos T Kovács
May 26, 2018·Natural Product Reports·Glen D'SouzaChristian Kost
Feb 19, 2021·PLoS Computational Biology·Yaron Goldberg, Jonathan Friedman

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