Multi-species multicellular life cycles

• Textbook examples of multicellular organisms vary in their scale and complexity but are typically composed of a single species. The prevalence of entities such as lichens, however, suggest that two different species may be capable of forming a type of multi-species multicellularity-though it may not resemble its clonal counterparts. In this chapter, we consider the possibility of multi-species multicellularity and in particular its origins. Drawing upon previous studies of the evolutionary origins of clonal multicellularity, we focus on the emergence of simple reproducing groups that have the capacity to gain adaptations. We present a framework for organizing these initial multi-species group life cycles based on whether the constituent species are unicellular or multicellular and whether the groups reproduce via fragmentation or cycles of dissociation and re-association. We discuss characteristics of each type of multi-species multicellularity and representative examples to assess their likely evolutionary trajectories. Ultimately, we conclude that the multi-species groups that most resemble textbook multicellular organisms are composed of unicellular and multicellular species and reproduce via cycles of dissociation and re-association.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Evolutionsbiologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Evolutionary Biology (hsv//eng)

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