Influence of chaotic dynamics on the coexistence of traits: Experimental studies with aquatic microbes

几十年来，维持生物多样性的机制一直困扰着生物学家，因为有限资源的数量应该限制共存物种的可能数量。这一悖论尚未得到解决。从理论上讲，非线性相互作用可能导致振荡和混乱的动态，从而允许维持比可用资源数量更多的物种/特征。我们想使用一个定义明确的微生物系统来实验测试我们最初的模型结果，该系统具有多达六种不同的细菌和原生生物特征，关于在有限数量的资源上发生振荡长期共存的情况。我们想要检查非线性和振荡对于维持不同群落中的性状多样性的潜在的基本重要性。本研究的主要目的是从实验上评估外在因素(环境因素)和内在因素(社区属性)如何影响性状的共存。从理论上讲，振荡允许许多基因型共存，即使它们的生态特征略有不同，因此显著支持了微观进化过程。

Mechanisms maintaining biodiversity have puzzled biologists since decades, as the number of limiting resources should limit the possible number of coexisting species. This paradox has not been solved yet. Theoretically, non-linear interactions can lead to oscillating and chaotic dynamics allowing for the maintenance of more species/traits than the number of available resources. We would like to test our original model results experimentally using a well-defined system of microbes with up to six different traits of bacteria and protists regarding the occurrence of oscillating long-term coexistence on a limited number of resources. We would like to check for the potential fundamental importance of non-linearity and oscillations for maintaining diversity of traits in different communities. The main objective of this study is to experimentally assess how extrinsic (environmental factors) and intrinsic (community properties) factors influence the coexistence of traits. Theoretically, oscillations allow the coexistence of many genotypes even if only slightly differing regarding their ecological characteristics, thus significantly supporting micro-evolutionary processes.