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Genetics of climate change adaptation.
Steven J Franks1, Ary A Hoffmann
1Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, New York 10458, USA. franks@fordham.edu
Annual Review of Genetics
|September 1, 2012
Summary
Global climate change is accelerating evolution in many species by altering selection patterns. Studying the genetic basis of adaptation reveals candidate genes and highlights the role of regulatory networks and epigenetics.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Climate change science
Background:
- Global climate change is a significant driver of evolutionary processes.
- Altered environmental conditions due to climate change modify natural selection pressures on species.
- Understanding adaptation to climate change is crucial for predicting species' responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the genetic underpinnings of species adaptation to climate change.
- To review current methodologies for studying climate change-driven evolution.
- To identify key genetic and genomic factors involved in adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing observational approaches like sampling across environmental gradients (clines).
- Employing experimental methods such as artificial evolution and resurrection studies.
- Integrating genetic and genomic techniques including association mapping, genome scans, and transcription profiling.
Main Results:
- Identification of candidate genes potentially involved in climate change adaptation.
- Evidence suggesting the importance of genetic regulatory networks in adaptive evolution.
- Highlighting the role of epigenetic effects in mediating climate change responses.
Conclusions:
- Genetic and genomic data are rapidly advancing the study of climate change adaptation.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the genetic architecture of adaptation.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for conservation efforts in a changing climate.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Natural Selection and Adaptation
Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
01:16What is Climate?
Climate refers to the prevailing weather conditions in a specific area over an extended period. As the saying goes, “Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get.” Climate is influenced by geographic factors, such as latitude, terrain, and proximity to bodies of water.
01:57Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Though evaporation from plant leaves drives transpiration, it also results in loss of water. Because water is critical for photosynthetic reactions and other cellular processes, evolutionary pressures on plants in different environments have driven the acquisition of adaptations that reduce water loss.
01:27Microbes and Climate Change
Microorganisms are pivotal agents in Earth's biogeochemical cycles, significantly influencing climate dynamics through their metabolic activities. These microbes modulate the levels of key greenhouse gases by both contributing to and helping mitigate climate change.Microbial Contributions to Greenhouse Gas EmissionsRising global temperatures accelerate microbial metabolism, which, in turn, speeds up the decomposition of organic matter. This process releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) through...
02:45Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Every organism has an optimum temperature range within which healthy growth and physiological functioning can occur. At the ends of this range, there will be a minimum and maximum temperature that interrupt biological processes.
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...