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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
08:16
Experimental Protocol for Manipulating Plant-induced Soil Heterogeneity
Published on: March 13, 2014
19.5K
Rapid evolution accelerates plant population spread in fragmented experimental landscapes.
Jennifer L Williams1, Bruce E Kendall2, Jonathan M Levine3
1Department of Geography and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 1984 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z2, Canada. jennifer.williams@geog.ubc.ca.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 30, 2016
Summary
Evolution can significantly accelerate the spread of species, especially in fragmented landscapes. Understanding these evolutionary dynamics is crucial for predicting biological invasions and species range expansions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Population Dynamics
Background:
- Predicting species spread requires understanding ecological and evolutionary dynamics.
- Landscape patchiness influences traits under selection, but its effect on spread velocity is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how evolution affects the speed of species' range expansion.
- To determine the influence of landscape patchiness on evolution-driven spread.
Main Methods:
- Used a model plant species in replicated experimental landscapes with varying patchiness.
- Manipulated the response to selection over six generations.
- Compared spread velocity between evolving and nonevolving populations.
Main Results:
- Evolving populations spread 11% farther than nonevolving ones in continuous landscapes.
- Evolving populations spread 200% farther in the most fragmented landscapes.
- Increased spread in fragmented landscapes suggests evolution of dispersal and competitive ability.
Conclusions:
- Evolution can substantially accelerate species' range expansion, particularly in heterogeneous environments.
- Landscape structure critically influences the impact of evolution on spread velocity.
- Incorporating evolutionary change is essential for accurate predictions of range expansions.
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