History sets the stage: Macroevolutionary influence on biotic interactions

Abstract

Evolutionary history has profound influences on ecological systems. Such influence is generally observed as phylogenetic signal, in which trait similarity is a function of evolutionary relationships, or phylogenetic niche conservatism, in which clades of species exhibit a single trait value. These patterns are observed so often in ecological research that the lack of phylogenetic influence on a system should be viewed as an exception to the rule. This special feature showcases research at the cutting edge of phylogenetic analysis of biotic interactions. Eight papers address three dominant questions: (a) What determines which species associate with each other? (b) How does evolutionary history constrain adaptation in response to interactions? (c) How does evolutionary history influence community, ecosystem, and global ecological processes and patterns? The interactions studied include symbioses such the mycorrhiza and the lichen, plant–soil interactions and herbivory. Synthesis: Phylogenetics presents important perspectives and tools to understand fundamental ecological processes. Among the most in need of research are geographic patterns in interaction strength and commonness, such as the latitudinal gradient in herbivory; the relationship between rapid evolution and evolutionary history, and the interaction of the two onto community and ecosystem processes and patterns; and the influence of evolutionary history on outcome in conservation problems and management.