Coevolution can sculpt remarkable trait similarity between mutualistic partners. Yet, it remains unclear which network topologies and selection regimes enhance such trait complementarity. To address this, we simulate coevolution in topologically-distinct networks under a gradient of mutualistic selection strength. We describe three main insights. First, trait matching is jointly influenced by the strength of mutualistic selection and the structural properties of the network where coevolution is unfolding. Second, the strength of mutualistic selection determines the network descriptors better correlated with higher trait matching. When coevolution is weak, network modularity enhances trait matching, but when it is strong, network connectance amplifies trait matching. Third, the structural properties of networks outrank those of modules or species in determining the evolved degree of trait matching. Our findings suggest networks can both enhance or constrain trait complementary, depending on the strength of mutualistic selection.

中文翻译：

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共进化选择和网络结构在塑造共生关系中的特征互补方面的共同作用。

共同进化可以雕刻出互惠伙伴之间显着的特征相似性。但是，尚不清楚哪种网络拓扑和选择机制会增强这种特征互补性。为了解决这个问题，我们在相互选择强度的梯度下模拟了拓扑不同的网络中的协同进化。我们描述了三个主要见解。首先，特征匹配受共同选择的强度和共同发展的网络结构特性共同影响。其次，相互选择的强度决定了与较高特征匹配更好相关的网络描述符。当协同进化较弱时，网络模块化会增强特征匹配，但是当协同进化较弱时，网络连通性会增强特征匹配。第三，在确定性状匹配的进化程度时，网络的结构特性优于模块或物种的结构特性。我们的发现表明，网络可以增强或限制性状互补，这取决于相互选择的强度。