Project 21
Macro-evolutionary dynamics of niche construction

Led by Doug Erwin, David Krakauer & Jessica Flack

This project assesses the role of ancestral niche construction in causing macro-evolutionary patterns, taking into account previously neglected aspects such as the generation of new resources and morphological innovation that niche construction and positive feedback allows. A sophisticated theoretical model is being developed in order to understand the macro-evolutionary dynamics of niche construction and ecosystem engineering, with the model’s predictions to be tested using data from the fossil record.

Publications

Conflicts of interest improve collective computation of adaptive social structures
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Brush ER, Krakauer DC, Flack JC. 2018. Sci Adv 4(1):e1603311.
 
Control of finite critical behaviour in a small-scale social system.
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Daniels BC, Krakauer DC, Flack JC. 2017. Nat Comm 8:14301.

EES predictions this project tests

viii. taxonomic diversity will sometimes be better explained by features of developmental systems (evolvability, constraints) than features of environments
xii. ecosystem stability, productivity and dynamics critically dependent on niche construction/ecological inheritance