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Biological invasions as a selective filter driving behavioral divergence
David G Chapple1, Annalise C Naimo2, Jack A Brand2
1School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia. David.Chapple@monash.edu.
Nature Communications
|October 11, 2022
Summary
Invasive species, like the introduced Pacific lizard Lampropholis delicata, undergo behavioral trait selection. This invasion process reduced variation and increased behavioral plasticity in invasive lizard populations.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Biological invasions involve multiple stages, each potentially filtering species traits.
- Behavioral traits are crucial for species introductions, but their selective filtering during invasions is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether invasion acts as a selective filter on behavioral traits in the invasive lizard Lampropholis delicata.
- To test predictions of the selective filter hypothesis regarding changes in behavioral trait means and variation.
Main Methods:
- Studied three independent lineages of Lampropholis delicata introduced across the Pacific.
- Compared behavioral traits (e.g., exploration, activity, boldness) between native and invasive populations.
- Assessed among-individual and within-individual variation in behavior.
Main Results:
- Invasive populations showed significant shifts in behavioral trait means compared to native populations.
- Among-individual variation in behavioral traits was reduced in invasive lineages.
- Lizards in invasive ranges exhibited greater behavioral plasticity (within-individual variation) than native counterparts.
Conclusions:
- The study provides strong support for the selective filter hypothesis acting on behavioral traits during biological invasions.
- Understanding behavioral selection is critical for predicting the ecological impacts of invasive species.
- This research highlights the importance of behavioral plasticity in invasion success.
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