Predators modify the evolutionary response of prey to temperature change.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Climate change is driving rapid environmental shifts globally.
• Evolutionary adaptation is crucial for species persistence in changing environments.
• The role of species interactions in mediating climate-driven evolution is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if species interactions modify evolutionary responses to temperature.
• To determine the effect of predation on the thermal adaptation of Daphnia pulex.

Main Methods:

• A laboratory natural selection experiment was conducted over approximately seven generations.
• The study utilized the freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex and its predator, Dipteran larvae (Chaoborus americanus).
• Daphnia populations were exposed to different temperatures (18°C and 21°C) with and without predators.

Main Results:

• Daphnia pulex evolved higher population growth rates at 21°C compared to 18°C, but only when predators were present.
• Predator-mediated selection led to the evolution of increased thermal plasticity in Daphnia.
• Biotic interactions significantly influenced the direction and magnitude of evolutionary adaptation to thermal change.

Conclusions:

• Predation pressure can alter the evolutionary trajectory of prey species in response to climate warming.
• Understanding the interplay of multiple selective forces, like predation and temperature, is vital for predicting ecological responses to environmental change.
• This study highlights the importance of considering biotic interactions in evolutionary adaptation research.