Where am I and why? Synthesizing range biology and the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of dispersal

Abstract

Although generations of researchers have studied the factors that limit the distributions of species, we still do not seem to understand this phenomenon comprehensively. Traditionally, species’ ranges have been seen as the consequence of abiotic conditions and local adaptation to the environment. However, during the last years it has become more and more evident that biotic factors – such as intra‐ and interspecific interactions or the dispersal capacity of species – and even rapidly occurring evolutionary processes can strongly influence the range of a species and its potential to spread to new habitats. Relevant eco‐evolutionary forces can be found at all hierarchical levels: from landscapes to communities via populations, individuals and genes. We here use the metapopulation concept to develop a framework that allows us to synthesize this broad spectrum of different factors. Since species’ ranges are the result of a dynamic equilibrium of colonization and local extinction events, the importance of dispersal is immediately clear. We highlight the complex interrelations and feedbacks between ecological and evolutionary forces that shape dispersal and result in non‐trivial and partially counter‐intuitive range dynamics. Our concept synthesizes current knowledge on range biology and the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of dispersal. Synthesis What factors are responsible for the dynamics of species' ranges? Answering this question has never been more important than today, in the light of rapid environmental changes. Surprisingly, the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of dispersal – which represent the driving forces behind range formation – have rarely been considered in this context. We here present a framework that closes this gap. Dispersal evolution may be responsible for highly complex and non‐trivial range dynamics. In order to understand these, and possibly provide projections of future range positions, it is crucial to take the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of dispersal into account.

Spatial Selection and Local Adaptation Jointly Shape Life-History Evolution during Range Expansion

“…This results in increased dispersal abilities at the range front, as has been illustrated theoretically (e.g., Travis and Dytham 2002;Burton et al 2010;Perkins et al 2013) as well as empirically through field and common garden studies (e.g., Phillips et al 2006;Mitikka and Hanski 2010;Hill et al 2011;Huang et al 2015) and experimental evolution (Fronhofer and Altermatt 2015). Dispersal evolution thus affects (Kubisch et al 2014) and is affected by range expansion (reviewed in Hill et al 2011). Second, because of the locally low densities at the leading edge, individuals in the vanguard of an expanding range are predicted to experience r rather than K selection, which would translate into a higher investment in reproduction (Phillips 2009;Phillips et al 2010).…”

Fitness maximization by dispersal: evidence from an invasion experiment

“…The dynamics, as simulated in our experimental setup, reflect patterns of diffusional spread as encountered during range expansions (Kubisch et al 2013) or pest outbreaks (Kareiva 1983). It remains to be tested whether insights from this experiment can be generalized to organisms inhabiting more saturated environments where reinforced colonization is the rule.…”

Disturbance and distributions: avoiding exclusion in a warming world

“…Although climatic tolerances limit potential species ranges (Somero 2011, Huey et al 2012, interactions among species determine many actual distributions (Sexton et al 2009, McCain and Colwell 2011, Wisz et al 2013, Kubisch et al 2014, Svenning et al 2014. These interspecific interactions are considered a proximate cause of distribution change with climate change (Keeley et al 2011, Urban et al 2012, Cahill et al 2013.…”