PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Yuriy Pichugin
AU  - Jorge Peña
AU  - Paul B. Rainey
AU  - Arne Traulsen
TI  - Fragmentation modes and the evolution of life cycles
AID  - 10.1101/120097
DP  - 2017 Jan 01
TA  - bioRxiv
PG  - 120097
4099  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/03/28/120097.short
4100  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/03/28/120097.full
AB  - Reproduction is a defining feature of living systems. Reproduction modes range from binary fission in bacteria to various modes of collective-level reproduction in multicellular organisms. However, the evolution of these modes and their adaptive significance is unclear. We develop a model in which groups arise from the division of single cells that do not separate, but stay together until the moment of group fragmentation. Fragmentation occurs via either complete or partial fission, resulting in a wide range of life cycles. By determining the relationship between life cycle and population growth rate, we define optimal fragmentation modes that have a surprisingly narrow class of solutions. Our model and results provide a framework for analysing the evolution of simple life cycles and for exploring the adaptive significance of different modes of reproduction.