Biological invasions, climate change and genomics

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Genomics
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Climate change is increasing habitat disturbance, facilitating biological invasions and hybridization.
• Invasive species and their interactions with native biodiversity are a growing concern.
• Traditional monitoring methods have limitations in tracking complex ecological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how genomic approaches can be applied to understand and manage biological invasions under climate change.
• To highlight the role of genetic variation, adaptation, and pre-adaptation in invasion success.
• To provide a framework for integrating genomic techniques into conservation management.

Main Methods:

• Metabarcoding and metagenomics for community monitoring.
• Whole-genome analysis to track hybridization and introgression.
• Genomic marker analysis for precise geographic origin determination of invasive species.

Main Results:

• Genomic tools enable detailed tracking of invasive species and genetic pollution.
• New insights into the genetic basis of successful invasions, including adaptation.
• Improved capabilities for threat identification, surveillance, and impact assessment for managers.

Conclusions:

• Genomic techniques offer powerful new tools for managing invasive species under climate change.
• These tools enhance our understanding of invasion dynamics and biodiversity impacts.
• A framework is proposed for applying genomic methods in practical conservation management, acknowledging current limitations.