The evolution of plasticity at geographic range edges.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Ecology
• Climate change adaptation

Background:

• Phenotypic plasticity is crucial for rapid adaptation to environmental shifts.
• Climate change is driving species range shifts, necessitating adaptive responses.
• The evolution of plasticity at range edges and its adaptive capacity remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolutionary drivers of phenotypic plasticity at expanding range edges.
• To determine how population demography influences the evolution and adaptive capacity of plasticity.
• To integrate demographic and evolutionary factors for improved predictions of climate-driven range shifts.

Main Methods:

• A spatially explicit synthesis of existing research on phenotypic plasticity.
• Analysis of demographic factors affecting selection for plasticity.
• Evaluation of how range edge stability modifies demographic influences on plasticity.

Main Results:

• Population demography significantly amplifies or attenuates selection for plasticity.
• The stability of range edges modulates the demographic effects on plasticity.
• Integrating demography and evolution is essential for predicting plasticity evolution.

Conclusions:

• Demographic processes critically influence the evolution of phenotypic plasticity at range edges.
• Range edge dynamics, including stability, interact with demography to shape plasticity.
• This synthesis offers a framework for enhancing predictions of species' range shifts under climate change.