Urbanization-associated range expansion genetically homogenizes a butterfly species

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Human-induced environmental changes and globalization drive biological invasions and species displacement.
• Habitat modification can lead to biodiversity loss within species through genetic admixture.
• The Southern Small White butterfly (Pieris mannii) is an example of a species expanding its range due to urbanization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate intraspecific biodiversity loss in Pieris mannii.
• To identify the population responsible for the range expansion.
• To understand the genetic consequences of range expansion on native populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized genome-wide markers from historical museum specimens and contemporary samples.
• Analyzed genetic data to identify the source population of the expansion.
• Assessed genetic admixture between the expanding population and native populations.

Main Results:

• Identified a distinct population of Pieris mannii initiating the Central European range expansion.
• Revealed genetic homogenization of native local populations through admixture with the expansive population.
• Demonstrated that human-induced environmental change can lead to both range expansion and cryptic biodiversity loss.

Conclusions:

• Human-induced environmental changes can facilitate species range expansion while simultaneously causing intraspecific biodiversity loss.
• The expansion of Pieris mannii exemplifies how urbanization can drive genetic homogenization.
• Understanding these processes is crucial for conservation efforts in the face of global change.