Evolutionary responses to global change: lessons from invasive species
Moran, E. V., & Alexander, J. M. (2014). Evolutionary responses to global change: lessons from invasive species. Ecology Letters, 17(5), 637-649. PDF.
Summary
Moran and Alexander (2014) used invasive species as a model to address how little we know about evolution in response to climate change. Invasive species experience new climatic conditions and species interactions in the invaded range, which are pressures all species are likely to face under future climate. However, Moran and Alexander (2014) acknowledge that the current selection pressures on invasive species are not the same as those for native species. Nonetheless, in general we can use species introductions to observe adaptation to novel conditions. Thus far, invasive species have evolved traits more desirable for the climate of the new habitat, evolved higher dispersal rates (especially at range margins), and adapted to new species interactions. Despite these observations, generation time, habitat fragmentation limiting genetic diversity, and evolution at the population level but not the species level are likely to impede evolution in response to climate. Moran and Alexander (2014) conclude that these observations can at the least inform future studies that will fill the knowledge gap of the relationship between climate change and evolution.
Take home points
Climate is not just influencing plasticity (flexibility), but also evolutionary changes.
Climate may drive evolution of traits suitable to new climatic conditions, higher dispersal rates to facilitate range expansion, and coevolutionary relationships between new species.
Invasive species can adapt to (and thrive within) new habitat conditions.
Management implications
Invasive species have shown the ability to adapt to new climatic conditions, and therefore are not likely to be negatively affected by climate change. Preventing the establishment of new populations can limit the ability of an invasive species to shift its range. Specifically, managing at the margins of current invasions and educating about human involvement in contributing to invasive spread can help contain currently established invasive species as climate influences ideal habitat.
Keywords
Shifting Seasons; Competitiveness; Range Expansion; Observation