The evolution of thermal performance can constrain dispersal during range shifting

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Climate change adaptation
• Ecological modeling

Background:

• Organisms face climate change by adapting thermal performance or dispersing.
• Range shifts during climate change may be constrained by genetic load and rapid dispersal evolution.
• Understanding the interplay between dispersal and thermal adaptation is crucial for predicting species' responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the joint evolution of dispersal and thermal performance curves (TPCs) during range shifting.
• To explore how spatial sorting influences the co-evolution of dispersal and thermal adaptation.
• To determine the impact of joint evolution on genetic load and range expansion dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an individual-based, spatially explicit model.
• Simulated the evolution of dispersal and TPCs in a population undergoing range shifts.
• Analyzed the relationship between local adaptation of TPCs and the evolution of dispersal rates.

Main Results:

• TPCs consistently adapted to local thermal conditions across the shifting range.
• Dispersal evolved to be equally high or lower at the range front compared to the trailing edge.
• This joint evolutionary strategy effectively reduced genetic load.

Conclusions:

• Co-evolution of dispersal and thermal performance influences range shifting dynamics.
• Observed dispersal patterns challenge the notion of universally high dispersal evolution at range fronts.
• Optimal strategies balancing adaptation and dispersal minimize genetic load during climate change-induced range shifts.