Ecological interactions are evolutionarily conserved across the entire tree of life

摘要: The characteristics that regulate species interactions are largely inherited, so it seems logical to expect closely related organisms more likely have similar ecological than less ones. Few studies been done on this relationship, and those tend focus specialized organisms, such as parasites or insect herbivores. A new analysis of the evolution host use in a diverse group comprising both specialist generalist, acellular, unicellular multicellular including all types interaction, finds support for evolutionary conservation across species. same rules seem drive most interactions, strongly contributing organization biodiversity Earth. It is expected show But has tested only certain restricted set taxa. Now interaction networks constructed 116 different clades entire tree life, interaction. results reveal significant conservatism board, generalist Ecological crucial understanding ecology organisms1,2. Because phenotypic traits regulating legacy their ancestors, widely assumed phylogenetically conserved, with interacting partners2. However, existing empirical evidence inadequate appropriately evaluate hypothesis phylogenetic because ecologically taxonomically biased. In fact, focused some herbivores3,4,5,6,7, belonging limited subset overall life. Here we study large organisms. We that, previously found generalized can be evolutionarily conserved. Significant patterns was equally occur symbiotic non-symbiotic well mutualistic antagonistic interactions. Host-use differentiation among higher conserved clades, irrespective generalization degree taxonomic position within Our findings suggest shared pattern biological systems through time, mediated by marked