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Effects of exotic species on evolutionary diversification
Mark Vellend1, Luke J Harmon, Julie L Lockwood
1Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada. mvellend@interchange.ubc.ca
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|March 10, 2007
Summary
Exotic species invasions can drive evolutionary diversification by creating new populations and hybrid lineages. Understanding the long-term impact on biodiversity requires considering both diversification and extinction effects.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Exotic species invasions are recognized as a major driver of global biodiversity change.
- Invasions can alter ecological interactions and create novel environments, potentially influencing evolutionary trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on the evolutionary consequences of species invasions.
- To synthesize evidence for how exotic species promote or impact evolutionary diversification.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on species invasions and evolutionary outcomes.
- Analysis of documented cases of genetic differentiation and hybridization involving exotic species.
Main Results:
- Exotic invasions provide conditions favoring evolutionary diversification, including allopatric population establishment and hybridization.
- Studies show widespread examples of exotic species increasing genetic differentiation in native and exotic populations.
- New hybrid lineages are frequently generated through interactions with exotic species.
Conclusions:
- Exotic species invasions can be potent catalysts for evolutionary diversification, generating novel genetic variation and lineages.
- While diversification increases, the overall net effect on biodiversity requires balancing diversification gains against documented biodiversity losses.
- Long-term assessment of exotic species impacts necessitates integrating both diversification and extinction dynamics.
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