What we still don't know about invasion genetics

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Genetics

Background:

• The field of invasion genetics emerged in 1965, recognizing biological invasions as natural experiments.
• Invasion genetics explores genetic changes in invasive species and the evolutionary drivers.
• This review assesses 50 years of progress and identifies remaining knowledge gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in invasion genetics over the past five decades.
• To identify key genetic changes and evolutionary processes in invasive lineages.
• To propose future research directions for unanswered questions in invasion genetics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of 50 years of research in invasion genetics.
• Analysis of genetic changes and evolutionary processes in invasive species.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and suggestions for future studies, including genomics and manipulative experiments.

Main Results:

• Rapid adaptation in invasive species is common and not typically limited by genetic variation.
• Population bottlenecks and genetic drift often negatively impact invasion success, challenging prior assumptions.
• Key unknowns include sources of genetic variation, expansion load, and the interplay of propagule pressure and genetic diversity.

Conclusions:

• Genomic studies can address many unknowns, but manipulative experiments are crucial for linking trait variation to fitness.
• Invasion genetics research can illuminate the limits of evolution.
• Findings can inform strategies to manage evolutionary responses to environmental change.