The role of conjugation in the gene-individual-population relationships in increasing eco-exergy

The genotypic and phenotypic processes were incorporated into one system in the gene-individual-population relationships under the framework of Individual based models (IBMs). The gene types addressing different degrees of metabolic efficiency and toxin susceptibility were provided as attributes in the individuals. Subsequently ecological processes such as food competition and movement were allowed concurrently on the 2-D space to determine the suitable species adapted to the system. The integrative gene-individual-population model accordingly responded to gene exchanges between the neighboring individuals through conjugation. At a substantially low level of gene exchange, system heterogeneity increased to produce high levels of eco-exergy, being presented by species diversity and total population size in the system. The issues related to genetic and ecological effects in the integrative gene-individual-population relationships were further discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.