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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Microgeographic adaptation and the spatial scale of evolution.

Jonathan L Richardson¹, Mark C Urban¹, Daniel I Bolnick²

¹Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269 USA.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

|February 25, 2014

Summary

Microgeographic adaptation, evolution at fine spatial scales, is possible despite gene flow. This study defines and explores mechanisms driving this local adaptation across species.

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary ecology
Population genetics
Speciation

Background:

Local adaptation is a key focus in evolutionary ecology.
Microgeographic adaptation is often overlooked due to assumed high gene flow.
Previous research lacked standardized methods to compare adaptation across spatial scales.

Purpose of the Study:

To establish a quantitative definition for microgeographic adaptation.
To evaluate evidence for evolutionary divergence at fine spatial scales.
To identify mechanisms facilitating microgeographic adaptation.

Main Methods:

Defined microgeographic adaptation using Wright's dispersal neighborhood.
Standardized dispersal abilities for cross-species comparisons.
Reviewed existing literature on microgeographic evolution.

Main Results:

Proposed a novel, standardized definition for microgeographic adaptation.
Synthesized evidence supporting evolutionary divergence at fine spatial scales.
Identified key mechanisms driving microgeographic adaptation.

Conclusions:

Microgeographic adaptation is a significant evolutionary process.
High gene flow does not necessarily prevent local adaptation.
Understanding microgeographic adaptation is crucial for ecological and evolutionary dynamics.