A slowly evolving host moves first in symbiotic interactions.

摘要: Symbiotic relationships, both parasitic and mutualistic, are ubiquitous in nature. Understanding how these symbioses evolve, from bacteria their phages to humans our gut microflora, is crucial understanding life operates. Often, consist of a slowly evolving host species with each only interacting its own subpopulation symbionts. The Red Queen hypothesis describes coevolutionary relationships as constant arms races rushing evolve an advantage over the other, suggesting that faster evolution favored. Here, we use simple game theoretic model host‐symbiont coevolution includes population structure show if symbionts much than host, equilibrium distribution same it would be were sequential where moves first against For this will prove advantageous mutualisms handicap antagonisms. result follows rapid symbiont adaptation robust changes parameters, even generalizing continuous multiplayer games. Our findings provide insight into wide range symbiotic phenomena help unify field theory.