Data from: A stabilizing eco-evolutionary feedback loop in the wild

Eco-evolutionary dynamics are predicted to involve feedback loops, where ecological changes driven by rapid evolution feed back to shape further evolution. However, direct experimental evidence for such loops in the wild is lacking. Here, we show that eco-evolutionary dynamics in a plant-feeding arthropod community involve a negative feedback loop. Specifically, adaptation in cryptic coloration in an abundant stick-insect species mediates bird predation, with local maladaptation increasing predation. In turn, the abundance of arthropods is reduced by predation. Here, we experimentally manipulate arthropod abundance to show that these community-level changes feedback to affect stick-insect evolution. Specifically, low arthropod abundance increases the strength of selection on crypsis, increasing local adaptation of stick insects in a negative feedback loop. Our results suggest that eco-evolutionary feedbacks are able to stabilize complex systems by preventing consistent directional change and therefore increasing resilience.

生态进化动力学（eco-evolutionary dynamics）被理论预测存在反馈环路：即由快速进化驱动的生态变化会反向作用，进一步塑造后续的进化进程。然而，目前学界尚缺乏野外环境中此类反馈环路的直接实验证据。本研究以植食性节肢动物群落为研究对象，结果显示其生态进化动力学存在负反馈环路。具体而言，某优势竹节虫（stick-insect）物种的隐蔽色（cryptic coloration）适应性可介导鸟类捕食行为：当该物种出现局部适应性不良时，其被捕食压力会显著升高。与此同时，捕食作用会降低节肢动物的种群丰度。本研究通过实验操控节肢动物的种群丰度，证实上述群落层面的变化会反向反馈影响竹节虫的进化过程。具体而言，节肢动物种群丰度较低时，会增强针对隐蔽性的选择强度，进而提升竹节虫的局部适应性，由此形成完整的负反馈环路。本研究结果表明，生态进化反馈可通过阻止持续的方向性变化、提升系统恢复力，从而稳定复杂生态系统。