Biological invasion as a natural experiment of the evolutionary processes: introduction of the special feature

Abstract

Although biological invasion has a devastating impact on biodiversity, it also provides a valuable opportunity for natural experiments on evolutionary responses. Alien populations are often subject to strong natural selection when they are exposed to new abiotic and biotic conditions. Native populations can also undergo strong selection when interacting with introduced enemies and competitors. This special feature aims to highlight how evolutionary studies take advantage of biological invasion and, at the same time, emphasizes how studying evolutionary processes deepens our understanding of biological invasions. We hope this special feature stimulates more invasion studies taking evolutionary processes into account. Those studies should provide fundamental information essential for formulating effective measures in conserving native biodiversity, as well as valuable empirical tests for evolutionary theories.

Abiotic and biotic controls on the copepod Pseudodiaptomus forbesi in the upper San Francisco Estuary

“…Invasions can provide insight into adaptive responses, as native populations may undergo strong selection when interacting with introduced competitors and predators (Yoshida et al 2007). The invasive clam P. amurensis reduced food availability to cope-…”

Population dependent effects of photoperiod on diapause related physiological traits in an invasive beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

“…Since many invasive species have negative impact on the invaded habitat, there is often a direct applied value for understanding the evolutionary ecological dynamics of species persistence and spread probability in the novel habitat (Elton 1958, Sakai et al 2001. However, studies on organisms which are in the process of rapidly expanding their range can provide valuable information on the evolutionary ecological mechanisms of range expansion (Yoshida et al 2007, Fauverge et al 2012) since they represent species rapidly expanding their range margin into novel selection pressures, for instance along a latitudinal axis (Elton 1958, Gaston 2003). …”

Are the ecological impacts of alien species misrepresented? A review of the “native good, alien bad” philosophy

“…However, ecologists are increasingly recognising that where aliens have an impact on natives, positive or negative, they exert a selection pressure that can, with time, stimulate adaptation (e.g., Mooney and Cleland 2001, Carroll 2007, Yoshida et al 2007). The more intense a new interaction is, the more likely an adaptive response is to occur (providing that the 296 native species has a population that is large enough, and that has sufficient genetic variation, for this to occur).…”