Rapid evolution of insects to global environmental change: conceptual issues and empirical gaps
Garnas, J. R. (2018). Rapid evolution of insects to global environmental change: conceptual issues and empirical gaps. Current Opinion in Insect Science. PDF.
Summary
Rapid evolution, or the ability of species to quickly evolve in response to a strong selective force such as climate change, is happening more often than we previously thought possible. But, it is unclear how ecosystems will respond to rapid evolutionary change. Therefore, Garnas (2018) uses insects as a model system to identify the potential changes we can expect. Changes to the biology of insects is likely in the face of climate change. Biological changes could include altered ability to withstand environmental stress, shifted timing of emergence or breeding, increased number of generations per year, and traits that can reduce predation (e.g., coloration). Not all changes to insects are evolution though; some insects are able to display different characteristics in different environments (plasticity). Invasive insects can respond to the new environments they encounter with rapid evolution, even if they have low genetic diversity, leading to new potential pest outbreaks as current invasives expand their ranges and new invasives are introduced. Insects also have complex mutually beneficial relationships with microbes that can be gained, lost, or swapped as their surrounding environment and/or biological communities change. These interactions with microbes contribute to the ability of insects to adapt by “outsourcing” key functions, creating a buffer between the insect and the environment. Rapid evolution or plasticity of insects in response to environmental change can support the conservation of some native species, but may also lead to expansion of invasive insects.
Take home points
Invasive insects can evolve rapidly when there is a strong selective force, such as climate change or the use of pesticides. Thus, they may quickly become resilient to these changes.
The ability of insects to adapt quickly to environmental change complicates management and modeling of pest species.
Management implications
Secondary movement of established insect pests (within an established range, or via subsequent introductions) can promote insect evolution due to the influx of new genetic material or the acquisition or loss of microbial associates.
Climate change is likely to select for invasive pests with higher thermal tolerance, earlier phenology, and wider dispersal ability.
Keywords
Shifting Seasons; Impact Study; Review