The ecological play of predator–prey dynamics in an evolutionary theatre

Although over 40 years of theory have addressed how evolutionary processes can affect the ecology of predator–prey interactions, few empirical data have addressed the same issue. Shertzer et al. and Yoshida et al. have recently combined manipulative experiments with mathematical models to demonstrate that evolutionary change in an algal prey strongly affects community dynamics with their rotifer predator. These studies contribute to recent developments in community genetics and the diversity–stability debate.