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Related Concept Videos

Natural Selection and Adaptation01:15

Natural Selection and Adaptation

Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
Evolutionary Psychology01:20

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Limits to Natural Selection01:38

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  1. Home
  3. What Climate Adaptation Can Learn From Evolutionary Adaptation.
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  3. What Climate Adaptation Can Learn From Evolutionary Adaptation.

Related Experiment Video

Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
07:54

Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions

Published on: March 9, 2021

What climate adaptation can learn from evolutionary adaptation.

Amy Waananen1, Katherine T Charton1, Jessica J Hellmann1

  • 1Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

Conservation Biology : the Journal of the Society for Conservation Biology
|June 20, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Evolutionary and climate adaptation share risks of maladaptation. Applying evolutionary insights can improve climate adaptation strategies by emphasizing diversity, innovation, and adaptive learning for better conservation outcomes.

Keywords:
adaptive managementcambio climáticoclimate changecommunity‐based conservationconservación comunitariadesadaptaciónenvironmental ethicsgestión adaptativaintercambio de conocimientosinventario y monitoreoinventory and monitoringknowledge exchangemaladaptationsilviculturasilvicultureética ambiental

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Related Experiment Videos

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Published on: March 9, 2021

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07:37

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Published on: January 19, 2018

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology and evolutionary biology
  • Conservation science
  • Environmental change adaptation

Background:

  • Both evolutionary adaptation (natural selection) and climate adaptation (human choices) address environmental change.
  • Adaptation aims for favorable outcomes but can lead to maladaptation (harmful results).
  • Conservation can benefit from evolutionary biology's understanding of adaptation effectiveness and failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Introduce a framework comparing evolutionary and climate adaptation.
  • Identify parallels and distinctions to enhance climate adaptation strategies.
  • Highlight best practices to mitigate maladaptation in conservation.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a comparative framework for evolutionary and climate adaptation.
  • Identified four common causes of maladaptation: lack of diversity, trade-offs, signal loss, and shifting targets.
  • Applied evolutionary principles to a climate adaptation case study, considering social dimensions.

    • Main Results:

    • Lack of diversity, trade-offs, loss of signal, and shifting targets are shared causes of maladaptation.
    • Evolutionary insights suggest diverse portfolios, innovative strategies, integrated monitoring, and flexible refinement mitigate maladaptation risks.
    • Differences in goal-setting and evaluation offer opportunities for intentional, inclusive decision-making in climate adaptation.

    Conclusions:

    • Climate adaptation can be improved by integrating evolutionary principles and acknowledging potential failures.
    • A dynamic, learning-oriented approach enhances resilience and effectiveness in conservation adaptation.
    • Intentional, inclusive decision-making, informed by evolutionary insights, is crucial for successful climate adaptation.