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Is it easy to move and easy to evolve? Evolutionary accessibility and adaptation
Erika J Edwards1, Michael J Donoghue
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Box G-W, 80 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|August 6, 2013
Summary
Organisms exhibit surprising ecological trait conservatism, challenging adaptation theories. Evolutionary
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
- Phylogenetics
Background:
- Recent phylogenetic studies reveal significant ecological trait conservatism.
- This challenges the traditional view of rapid organismal adaptation to diverse environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the context-dependent nature of ecological trait evolution.
- To highlight the need for rigorous interpretation of phylogenetic and biogeographical data.
- To explore the concept of differential evolutionary accessibility to adaptations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of phylogenetic data to identify patterns of trait conservatism and transitions.
- Examination of organismal traits as potential 'enablers' of adaptation.
- Consideration of biogeographical factors, including habitat availability and lineage competition.
Main Results:
- Ecological transitions, while occurring, are often phylogenetically clustered, indicating context-dependency.
- Organismal traits ('enablers') and external factors (habitat, competition) influence adaptation ease.
- Limited progress in identifying precursor traits for ecological syndromes.
Conclusions:
- Differential evolutionary accessibility to adaptations is a pervasive phenomenon.
- Understanding adaptation requires integrating organismal traits with biogeographical history.
- Future phylogenetic resolution may enhance insights into ecological syndrome evolution.
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