How adaptation to a novel environment shapes coexistence mechanisms Evolution of Host-Parasite Interactions

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Evolution can alter coinfection dynamics by modifying traits involved in competition or in transmission between hosts, a possibility that has been poorly studied, especially in a heterogeneous host population. Here, we test how evolution of ectoparasitic spider mites on tomato host plants affects the possibility of coexistence due to differences in growth rates, intra- and intraspecific competition within a host as well as to differences in transmission between hosts. To do so, we performed experimental evolution of Tetranychus urticae or T. evansi on tomato plants that accumulated cadmium or not. Evolution led to changes in all traits,but affected each species differently. This led to changes in coexistence patterns. Our results show that adaptation to a novel host environment has far-reaching consequences for the expected community on different hosts, as well as for the evolutionary path that leads to such a community.