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Changes in dispersal during species' range expansions.

Adam D Simmons1, Chris D Thomas

  • 1School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom. adam.simmons@dft.gsi.gov.uk

The American Naturalist
|October 13, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Evolutionary changes drive rapid species

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Ecology
  • Biogeography

Background:

  • Species' range expansions are often explained ecologically, overlooking evolutionary contributions.
  • Wing-dimorphic bush crickets offer a model to study dispersal evolution during range expansion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test predictions for the evolution of dispersal during species' range expansion.
  • To investigate the role of evolutionary processes in rapid range shifts.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of wing morphology and dispersal in four bush cricket species.
  • Field observations and controlled laboratory experiments (rearing, wind tunnel tests).
  • Assessment of reproductive trade-offs and density-dependent effects on wing morphology.

Main Results:

  • Expanding range margins showed increased macropterous (long-winged) individuals, indicating higher dispersal.
  • This increase in dispersal was transient, reverting to core population levels within 5-10 years.
  • Laboratory studies confirmed evolutionary basis and identified reproductive trade-offs and negative density dependence as key mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Dispersal evolution, characterized by transient increases in dispersal ability, plays a significant role in species' range expansions.
  • These rapid, transient evolutionary changes can have substantial population and biogeographic impacts.
  • Understanding these evolutionary dynamics is crucial for predicting species' responses to environmental change.

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