Citation
Specific hypotheses on the geographic mosaic of coevolution
TL;DR
Co-evolving species experience different selection pressures in different locations
Thompson's geographic mosaic theory explains why co-evolutionary dynamics vary across locations - the same species interaction can be mutualistic in one place and antagonistic in another. This insight is crucial for understanding why competitive dynamics differ by market.
For businesses operating across multiple regions, this framework explains why strategies that work in one market may fail in another: local conditions, regulations, and competitive structures create different selection pressures.
Key Findings from Thompson (1999)
- Co-evolving species experience different selection pressures in different locations
- Creates mosaic of local adaptations across geographic range
- Same interaction can be mutualistic or antagonistic depending on location
- Gene flow and local selection create complex spatial patterns