Eco-evolutionary feedback loops out from the laboratory – BackOut

Understanding the dynamic interplay between ecological change and rapid evolution, the so-called eco-evolutionary feedback loops (EEFLs), is a frontier in biology. Although a wealth of theoretical studies predict that EEFLs play a key role in shaping and maintaining the natural world, empirical studies have lagged behind. A series of experiments performed in chemostats in the laboratory have demonstrated that EEFLs determine the periodicity, amplitude and even the very existence of predator-prey population cycles. However, the importance of EEFLs to more complex systems out from the laboratory remains unknown. BackOut is the first coordinated project dedicated to capture EEFLs out from the laboratory, and to dissect and quantify their different mechanisms in a multiplicity of empirical systems. Our objectives are twofold: (i) use the best-possible data and a novel modelling framework to perform the first integrated measurement of EEFLs ever, and (ii) devise novel analytical methods to detect and quantify EEFLs in lower-quality time series data. To succeed, we build a consortium grouping synergistically-skilled researchers, and we base our approach on coupling a strong theoretical background with cutting-edge modelling methods. Understanding EEFLs empirically should boost our ability to predict the trajectory of virtually any biological system, and the methods we propose to develop will potentially be of interest to a vast community. From an applied perspective, we expect BackOut to advance our ability to mitigate multiple environmental problems including overharvesting, biological invasions, climate change, habitat fragmentation, epidemics, or drug and pesticide resistances.