Evolution in an acidifying ocean.

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Climate Change Science

Background:

• Ocean acidification presents a significant global threat to marine biodiversity.
• Species possess a potential capacity for evolutionary adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize tools for assessing species' evolutionary adaptation capacity to future ocean change.
• To review current progress in understanding adaptation to ocean acidification.
• To identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Focus on two primary approaches: measuring standing genetic variation within populations.
• Utilizing experimental evolution to study adaptive responses.
• Reviewing existing literature and research findings.

Main Results:

• Standing genetic variation provides insights into a population's potential to adapt.
• Experimental evolution allows for direct observation of adaptive evolutionary processes.
• Both methods have unique benefits and challenges in assessing adaptation capacity.

Conclusions:

• Evolutionary adaptation is a critical factor in the response of marine species to ocean acidification.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the role of evolution in a changing ocean.
• Integrating genetic and experimental approaches can enhance our understanding of species' resilience.