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How ecological and evolutionary theory expanded the 'ideal weed' concept
Jennifer A Lau1, Jennifer L Funk2
1Department of Biology and the Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
Oecologia
|June 20, 2023
Summary
Ecologists study plant traits to predict invasiveness, but context and evolution significantly influence success. Trait-based approaches are advancing our understanding of invasive species and their ecological interactions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Plant Science
Background:
- For over 50 years, ecologists have sought to identify traits predicting plant invasiveness, building on Baker's 'ideal weed' concept.
- While traits facilitating dispersal and establishment are known, their impact on invasion is highly context-dependent.
- The evolution of traits, both before and after introduction, plays a crucial role in invasion outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Trait-based ecology and evolution provide a powerful framework for studying invasive plants.
- Future research should integrate trait analysis with climate change impacts and coevolutionary dynamics.
- Understanding the interplay of traits, context, and evolution is key to managing invasive species.
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