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Related Concept Videos

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Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.
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Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural selection can be directional, stabilizing, or disruptive. Directional selection favors one extreme trait and shifts the population towards that phenotype while selecting against individuals displaying alternate traits. Stabilizing selection favors an intermediate trait with a narrow range of variation. Deviation from the optimal phenotype towards an...
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Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.
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Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.
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JenaTron - An Experimental Approach to Study the Effects of Plant History and Soil History on Grassland Ecosystem Functioning
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Evolution in novel environments: Do restored prairie populations experience strong selection?

Susan M Magnoli1,2, Jennifer A Lau3

  • 1W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, Michigan, 49060.

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|June 15, 2020
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Summary

Colonizing plant populations face novel conditions and selection. While evolutionary responses occurred in one population, contemporary selection differed, highlighting varied adaptation in early succession.

Keywords:
Chamaecrista fasciculatacontemporary evolutionecological restorationnatural selectionphenotypic selection analysisstrength of selection

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Plant Science

Background:

  • Colonizing populations encounter new environments, potentially facing strong natural selection.
  • Understanding selection and evolutionary responses is crucial for establishment success, yet rarely studied in colonizing scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate evidence of past and contemporary selection in recently established Chamaecrista fasciculata plant populations.
  • To quantify evolutionary responses by comparing restored populations to their source population in common gardens.
  • To measure field-based contemporary selection on plant traits.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative common garden experiments to assess evolutionary trait shifts.
  • Field measurements to detect contemporary natural selection.
  • Analysis of traits including flowering time, specific leaf area, and root nodule production.

Main Results:

  • Evidence of past selection on flowering time, specific leaf area, and root nodule production in one restored population.
  • Contemporary selection detected only for plant height in the field.
  • Significant trait differences observed between restored populations within six generations.

Conclusions:

  • Colonization can lead to rapid evolutionary responses, but these responses can vary even between nearby populations from the same source.
  • Contemporary selection pressures may differ from past selection, indicating dynamic adaptation during early succession.
  • Selection likely varies across the early stages of prairie restoration.