The Anthropocene and the biodiversity crisis: an eco-evolutionary perspective

Area of Science:

• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Human activities in the Anthropocene drive global change, leading to biodiversity loss and homogenization.
• Current understanding often neglects the impact of global change on evolutionary dynamics and genetic diversity.
• Biodiversity loss affects both ecological and evolutionary processes, necessitating an integrated approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for an eco-evolutionary perspective in understanding biodiversity dynamics under global change.
• To analyze the impact of global change stressors on biodiversity from pre-industrial times to the near future.
• To demonstrate the utility of an eco-evolutionary framework for prediction and proposing nature-based solutions.

Main Methods:

• A temporal representation of global change impacts on biodiversity.
• Heuristic analysis of biodiversity responses (e.g., adaptation, range shifts) to stressors.
• Integration of ecological and rapid evolutionary processes.

Main Results:

• Global change significantly impacts ecological and evolutionary biodiversity dynamics.
• An eco-evolutionary perspective reveals biodiversity's adaptive potential and future trajectories.
• This approach is vital for predicting long-term biodiversity responses and informing conservation.

Conclusions:

• An eco-evolutionary approach is essential for addressing the biodiversity crisis.
• Overcoming obstacles like lack of interest in intraspecific diversity is critical.
• Recognizing humanity's role within biodiversity is key for effective solutions.