Geometric Insights into evolutionary rescue dynamics in a two-deme model.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Population genetics
• Ecology

Background:

• Fragmented populations face challenges adapting to rapid environmental changes.
• Understanding evolutionary rescue is vital for species persistence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate evolutionary rescue mechanisms in fragmented populations under abrupt environmental changes.
• To determine the impact of phenotypic space dimensionality on joint evolutionary rescue.
• To identify factors influencing adaptive potential in metapopulations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a two-deme metapopulation model within Fisher's geometric model framework.
• Employed analytical derivations and simulations to analyze phenotypic optima and rescue domains.
• Calculated intersection volumes in phenotypic space to assess joint rescue probabilities.

Main Results:

• The probability of joint evolutionary rescue decreases as the dimensionality of the phenotypic space increases.
• Species with complex trait configurations face greater challenges for simultaneous adaptation.
• De novo mutations, local adaptation, and migration rates are critical for evolutionary rescue.

Conclusions:

• Joint evolutionary rescue is constrained by phenotypic complexity.
• Metapopulation dynamics and genetic factors significantly influence adaptive capacity.
• This research provides insights into species' resilience against environmental disturbances.