Competition and macroevolution: the ghost of competition yet to come?

Abstract

Abstract Competition theory is the focus of much debate among both neontologists and palaeontologists. This paper explores the expansion of competition theory into macroevolution, since this is the relevant context for palaeobiologists, and challenges the contention that microevolutionary processes are generally inappropriate to the interpretation of macroevolutionary pattern. We show that the term 'interspecific competition' is imprecise, since it conflates processes operating at various hierarchical levels, and recommend a terminological change in accordance with hierarchy theory. Finally, we reassess the role of competition and its absence in radiations. Since evolutionary novelties must be fixed at speciation, and speciation occurs in response to habitat destruction rather than the freeing of ecological space, we believe the role of competition to be minimal in both radiation and the generation of novelty.