Adaptive divergence at the margin of an invaded range

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Botany

Background:

• Invasive plant species pose significant global threats to biodiversity.
• Understanding evolutionary dynamics during invasions is crucial for predicting spread.
• Lonicera japonica is a widespread invasive plant in North America.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of historical and adaptive factors in the range expansion of Lonicera japonica.
• To compare the performance of invasive populations from different establishment times and regions.

Main Methods:

• Common garden experiments were conducted in both core and margin regions of the Lonicera japonica invasion.
• Growth and survival of individuals from 17 core and 14 margin populations were assessed over three years.

Main Results:

• Individuals from northern margin populations exhibited significantly greater size, biomass, and survival rates compared to core populations.
• Margin plants had 34% more branches and 36% greater biomass.
• Margin plants showed 30% greater survival across both regions.

Conclusions:

• Rapid evolution in recently established northern margin populations of Lonicera japonica has enhanced growth and survival.
• These evolved traits likely contribute to the species' colonizing ability and continued range expansion.
• Understanding these adaptive processes is key to managing and mitigating invasive species impacts.