Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2025
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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
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Trait evolution during a rapid global weed invasion despite little genetic differentiation
Ramona E Irimia1,2, Daniel Montesinos1,3, Anurag Chaturvedi4,5
1Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal.
Evolutionary Applications
|May 22, 2023
Summary
Invasive yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) shows rapid evolution in new environments. Phenotypic changes, particularly seed mass, outpaced genetic differentiation, suggesting adaptation to diverse climates.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Invasive species adapt to new environments through spatial trait variation driven by selection, drift, or plasticity.
- Understanding the genetic basis of adaptation is crucial for managing invasive species like Centaurea solstitialis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate geographic differentiation in phenotypic traits of invasive Centaurea solstitialis.
- To compare phenotypic differentiation (PST) with neutral genetic differentiation (FST) across native and invasive ranges.
- To identify traits and genetic bases contributing to invasive success.
Main Methods:
- Common garden experiment with Centaurea solstitialis individuals from five continents.
- Measurement of neutral genetic differentiation (FST) and phenotypic differentiation (PST).
- Analysis of trait associations with climate variables.
Main Results:
- Native plants were more fecund, while invasive plants had larger seed mass.
- Indication of divergent selection on fecundity and seed mass, with limited overall genetic differentiation.
- Seed mass increased proportionally more than genetic differentiation in several invasive regions.
- Trait variations, including capitula number and seed mass, showed regional climate associations.
Conclusions:
- Rapid evolution accompanies the invasive success of Centaurea solstitialis.
- Phenotypic plasticity and selection contribute to adaptation in novel environments.
- Seed mass and reproductive traits are key adaptations for invasive success.
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