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Invasion and the evolution of speed in toads
Benjamin L Phillips1, Gregory P Brown, Jonathan K Webb
1School of Biological Sciences A08, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
Nature
|February 17, 2006
Summary
The invasive cane toad (Bufo marinus) in Australia is spreading five times faster than before due to longer legs. This rapid adaptation accelerates their invasion, posing a significant threat to native ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Invasive Species Research
Background:
- Cane toads (Bufo marinus) were introduced to Australia 70 years ago to control insect pests.
- These toads are highly toxic and have become a significant invasive species, impacting native ecosystems.
Observation:
- The annual rate of the cane toad invasion front has increased approximately fivefold.
- Toads at the invasion front exhibit longer legs compared to those in established populations.
Findings:
- Longer legs in cane toads facilitate faster movement and earlier arrival in new territories.
- Rapid adaptive evolution, specifically 'spatial selection,' favors traits like longer legs that enhance dispersal at the expanding invasion front.
Implications:
- The accelerated invasion rate driven by adaptive evolution poses an escalating ecological threat.
- Continued spatial selection will likely lead to further increases in invasion speed, exacerbating negative impacts on native biodiversity.
- Understanding these evolutionary dynamics is crucial for managing invasive species and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.
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