Yamamichi Group • Theoretical Ecology and Evolution Laboratory::National Institute of Genetics

Yamamichi Group • Theoretical Ecology and Evolution Laboratory

Eco-evolutionary dynamics: interactions of rapid evolution and ecological processes

Faculty

YAMAMICHI, Masato

Associate Professor

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Research Summary

Organisms modify their phenotypes flexibly in response to environmental changes. Such rapid adaptation to environments can prevent population decline and extinction. Our laboratory combines mathematical models, microcosm experiments, and meta-analyses to investigate the effects of rapid evolution and phenotypic plasticity on population and community dynamics as well as complex eco-evolutionary feedbacks. Our aim is revealing dynamics of biodiversity through exploring interactions and similarities between intraspecific genetic diversity and species diversity in biological communities.

(A) By combining the quantitative genetic model (above) and population dynamic model (below), we construct and analyze mathematical models of eco-evolutionary feedbacks. (B) Microcosm experiments with zooplankton (rotifers) and phytoplankton (Chlorella) examine theoretical predictions. Then, based on the experimental results, we construct new theoretical models.

Selected Publications

Yamamichi M, Letten AD, Schreiber SJ. Eco-evolutionary maintenance of diversity in fluctuating environments. Ecol Lett. 2023 Sep;26 Suppl 1:S152-S167.

Yamamichi M, Gibbs T, Levine JM. Integrating eco-evolutionary dynamics and modern coexistence theory. Ecol Lett. 2022 Oct;25(10):2091-2106.

Yamamichi M, Letten AD. Rapid evolution promotes fluctuation-dependent species coexistence. Ecol Lett. 2021 Apr;24(4):812-818.

Yamamichi M, Kyogoku D, Iritani R, Kobayashi K, Takahashi Y, Tsurui-Sato K, Yamawo A, Dobata S, Tsuji K, Kondoh M. Intraspecific Adaptation Load: A Mechanism for Species Coexistence. Trends Ecol Evol. 2020 Oct;35(10):897-907.