Species' Range Dynamics Affect the Evolution of Spatial Variation in Plasticity under Environmental Change

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Clines in environmental tolerance and phenotypic plasticity are known within species ranges.
• The evolution of these clines during dynamic species range shifts is poorly understood.
• Recent studies suggest range dynamics influence spatial variation in tolerance and plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolution of plasticity and tolerance during species range shifts and expansions.
• To model how different range dynamics scenarios affect the spatial distribution of these traits.

Main Methods:

• Individual-based simulations were employed.
• Three distinct scenarios of species range shifts and expansions on environmental gradients were simulated.

Main Results:

• Regions experiencing longer or more extensive environmental change showed increased plasticity and tolerance.
• These regions correspond to trailing edges (tracking niche) or leading edges (expansion).
• Elevated tolerance and plasticity at the distribution center occurred with asymmetric environmental change driving range expansion.

Conclusions:

• Species range dynamics significantly shape the evolution of environmental tolerance and phenotypic plasticity.
• Clines in these traits are influenced by the history and extent of environmental change.
• Genetic assimilation can lead to the transient nature and eventual flattening of these clines post-dynamics.