Graham Bell
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198569725
- eISBN:
- 9780191717741
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198569725.003.0013
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Diversification occurs readily in asexual populations, but is obstructed by recombination in outcrossed sexual organisms. Species may arise because sexual isolation permits diversification, or ...
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Diversification occurs readily in asexual populations, but is obstructed by recombination in outcrossed sexual organisms. Species may arise because sexual isolation permits diversification, or because sexual isolation follows diversification; this chapter takes the former view. The first section in this final chapter is called Speciation and diversification and it details allopatric and sympatric divergence; asexual diversification; the poverty of the protists; and speciation in macrobes. The second section is called Experimental speciation and is about sexual divergence by drift; disruptive natural selection; the evolution of isolating mechanisms; divergent natural selection in complete isolation; reinforcement; artificial selection for sexual isolation; sexual divergence; and offers a new species of yeast. The final section entitled Emerging species is all about sticklebacks; whitefish; and sedges.Less
Diversification occurs readily in asexual populations, but is obstructed by recombination in outcrossed sexual organisms. Species may arise because sexual isolation permits diversification, or because sexual isolation follows diversification; this chapter takes the former view. The first section in this final chapter is called Speciation and diversification and it details allopatric and sympatric divergence; asexual diversification; the poverty of the protists; and speciation in macrobes. The second section is called Experimental speciation and is about sexual divergence by drift; disruptive natural selection; the evolution of isolating mechanisms; divergent natural selection in complete isolation; reinforcement; artificial selection for sexual isolation; sexual divergence; and offers a new species of yeast. The final section entitled Emerging species is all about sticklebacks; whitefish; and sedges.
Andrew P. Hendry
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780691145433
- eISBN:
- 9781400883080
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691145433.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter examines how populations in different environments can fall at different stages along a continuum of progress toward ecological speciation. It traces how variation can be used to infer ...
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This chapter examines how populations in different environments can fall at different stages along a continuum of progress toward ecological speciation. It traces how variation can be used to infer ecological speciation through either of two general approaches: (1) integrated signatures of reproductive isolation based on measures of gene flow, and (2) confirmation of the ecological basis of reproductive barriers. The chapter also addresses the rapidity of ecological speciation (rapid speciation), at what point progress toward ecological speciation becomes irreversible (speciation reversal), to what extent ecological speciation is driven by competitive (adaptive speciation) or reproductive (reinforcement) interactions, and how many traits (magic traits) and selective pressures (dimensionality) are involved.Less
This chapter examines how populations in different environments can fall at different stages along a continuum of progress toward ecological speciation. It traces how variation can be used to infer ecological speciation through either of two general approaches: (1) integrated signatures of reproductive isolation based on measures of gene flow, and (2) confirmation of the ecological basis of reproductive barriers. The chapter also addresses the rapidity of ecological speciation (rapid speciation), at what point progress toward ecological speciation becomes irreversible (speciation reversal), to what extent ecological speciation is driven by competitive (adaptive speciation) or reproductive (reinforcement) interactions, and how many traits (magic traits) and selective pressures (dimensionality) are involved.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter defines ecological speciation as the process by which barriers to gene flow evolve between populations as a result of ecologically based divergent selection between environments. It ...
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This chapter defines ecological speciation as the process by which barriers to gene flow evolve between populations as a result of ecologically based divergent selection between environments. It provides a brief history of the ecological speciation hypothesis, dating back to Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species in 1895. It also examines alternatives to ecological speciation, saying that they tend to involve stochastic events, such as random changes in gene frequencies and stochastic differences among populations in which mutations arise. These alternatives can be classified into two main categories. The first one considers mechanisms of speciation that do not involve selection, and the second considers mechanisms that do not involve selection, but in which, selection is not divergent between ecological environments.Less
This chapter defines ecological speciation as the process by which barriers to gene flow evolve between populations as a result of ecologically based divergent selection between environments. It provides a brief history of the ecological speciation hypothesis, dating back to Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species in 1895. It also examines alternatives to ecological speciation, saying that they tend to involve stochastic events, such as random changes in gene frequencies and stochastic differences among populations in which mutations arise. These alternatives can be classified into two main categories. The first one considers mechanisms of speciation that do not involve selection, and the second considers mechanisms that do not involve selection, but in which, selection is not divergent between ecological environments.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
The origin of biological diversity, via the formation of new species, can be inextricably linked to adaptation to the ecological environment. Specifically, ecological processes are central to the ...
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The origin of biological diversity, via the formation of new species, can be inextricably linked to adaptation to the ecological environment. Specifically, ecological processes are central to the formation of new species when barriers to gene flow (reproductive isolation) evolve between populations as a result of ecologically based divergent natural selection. This process of ‘ecological speciation’ has seen a large body of focused research in the last ten-fifteen years, and a review and synthesis of the theoretical and empirical literature is now timely. The book begins by clarifying what ecological speciation is, its alternatives, and the predictions that can be used to test for it. It then reviews the three components of ecological speciation and discusses the geography and genomic basis of the process. A final chapter highlights future research directions, describing the approaches and experiments which might be used to conduct that future work. The ecological and genetic literature is integrated throughout the text with the goal of shedding new insight into the speciation process, particularly when the empirical data is then further integrated with theory.Less
The origin of biological diversity, via the formation of new species, can be inextricably linked to adaptation to the ecological environment. Specifically, ecological processes are central to the formation of new species when barriers to gene flow (reproductive isolation) evolve between populations as a result of ecologically based divergent natural selection. This process of ‘ecological speciation’ has seen a large body of focused research in the last ten-fifteen years, and a review and synthesis of the theoretical and empirical literature is now timely. The book begins by clarifying what ecological speciation is, its alternatives, and the predictions that can be used to test for it. It then reviews the three components of ecological speciation and discusses the geography and genomic basis of the process. A final chapter highlights future research directions, describing the approaches and experiments which might be used to conduct that future work. The ecological and genetic literature is integrated throughout the text with the goal of shedding new insight into the speciation process, particularly when the empirical data is then further integrated with theory.
Daniel J. Funk and Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520251328
- eISBN:
- 9780520933828
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520251328.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Although the contribution of natural selection to speciation was not an explicit empirical focus of most of the twentieth century, it was often assumed to be an important factor in the evolutionary ...
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Although the contribution of natural selection to speciation was not an explicit empirical focus of most of the twentieth century, it was often assumed to be an important factor in the evolutionary diversification of lineages. A challenging task is identifying the potential contributions of ecological divergence to reproductive barriers that are not inherently ecological, including sexual isolation, cryptic postmating isolation, and intrinsic hybrid inviability. This chapter shows how particular comparative approaches can be used to identify and quantify ecological contributions to reproductive isolation and speciation, focusing on herbivorous insects. First, it discusses the nature and study of ecological speciation, and presents some advantages of evaluating herbivorous insect systems for such investigations. The chapter then describes recently developed comparative approaches that have provided insights on this topic. It also analyzes available herbivore data sets to illustrate these methods and the evidence they provide on ecology's role in herbivore speciation, highlights important issues pertaining to the conduct and interpretation of these comparative studies, and suggests future directions for advancing the multidimensional study of ecological speciation through the creative application of comparative approaches.Less
Although the contribution of natural selection to speciation was not an explicit empirical focus of most of the twentieth century, it was often assumed to be an important factor in the evolutionary diversification of lineages. A challenging task is identifying the potential contributions of ecological divergence to reproductive barriers that are not inherently ecological, including sexual isolation, cryptic postmating isolation, and intrinsic hybrid inviability. This chapter shows how particular comparative approaches can be used to identify and quantify ecological contributions to reproductive isolation and speciation, focusing on herbivorous insects. First, it discusses the nature and study of ecological speciation, and presents some advantages of evaluating herbivorous insect systems for such investigations. The chapter then describes recently developed comparative approaches that have provided insights on this topic. It also analyzes available herbivore data sets to illustrate these methods and the evidence they provide on ecology's role in herbivore speciation, highlights important issues pertaining to the conduct and interpretation of these comparative studies, and suggests future directions for advancing the multidimensional study of ecological speciation through the creative application of comparative approaches.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter reviews five classes of approaches for testing ecological speciation. The explicit predictions, associated with each approach, allow ecological speciation to be distinguished from ...
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This chapter reviews five classes of approaches for testing ecological speciation. The explicit predictions, associated with each approach, allow ecological speciation to be distinguished from alternative mechanisms of speciation. All methods assume that relevant ecological variables or traits are measured. The chapter notes that it is important to ensure that further tests meet the criteria and assumptions of the methods used. It also states that manipulative field experiments testing the extent to which adaptive divergence reduces gene flow are the ‘final frontier’ in tests for ecological speciation.Less
This chapter reviews five classes of approaches for testing ecological speciation. The explicit predictions, associated with each approach, allow ecological speciation to be distinguished from alternative mechanisms of speciation. All methods assume that relevant ecological variables or traits are measured. The chapter notes that it is important to ensure that further tests meet the criteria and assumptions of the methods used. It also states that manipulative field experiments testing the extent to which adaptive divergence reduces gene flow are the ‘final frontier’ in tests for ecological speciation.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.003.0005
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter deals with the conditions under which pleitropy versus linkage disequilibrium can drive ecological speciation. It considers just how tight physical linkage needs to be for linkage ...
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This chapter deals with the conditions under which pleitropy versus linkage disequilibrium can drive ecological speciation. It considers just how tight physical linkage needs to be for linkage disequilibrium to be an effective mechanism for speciation. It concludes by looking at the number of loci underlying ecological speciation and the specific genes driving the process. It identifies a number of factors that might make linkage disequilibrium an effective mechanism of speciation, including physical linkage, structural features that reduce recombination, one-allele assortative mating mechanisms, and strong selection.Less
This chapter deals with the conditions under which pleitropy versus linkage disequilibrium can drive ecological speciation. It considers just how tight physical linkage needs to be for linkage disequilibrium to be an effective mechanism for speciation. It concludes by looking at the number of loci underlying ecological speciation and the specific genes driving the process. It identifies a number of factors that might make linkage disequilibrium an effective mechanism of speciation, including physical linkage, structural features that reduce recombination, one-allele assortative mating mechanisms, and strong selection.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter concentrates on the degree to which ecological speciation unfolds once it is initiated. Its central concept is that speciation is often an extended and continuous process. It details on ...
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This chapter concentrates on the degree to which ecological speciation unfolds once it is initiated. Its central concept is that speciation is often an extended and continuous process. It details on the evidence for the continuum of speciation, noting examples of partial reproductive isolation, and exploring the extent to which they represent a stable outcome versus an intermediate state that is bound to progress to complete reproductive isolation. It also explains how far speciation proceeds, starting with non-selective hypotheses, and then turning to hypotheses based upon the specific nature of divergent selection itself, namely how strong selection is and how many traits or genes it acts on.Less
This chapter concentrates on the degree to which ecological speciation unfolds once it is initiated. Its central concept is that speciation is often an extended and continuous process. It details on the evidence for the continuum of speciation, noting examples of partial reproductive isolation, and exploring the extent to which they represent a stable outcome versus an intermediate state that is bound to progress to complete reproductive isolation. It also explains how far speciation proceeds, starting with non-selective hypotheses, and then turning to hypotheses based upon the specific nature of divergent selection itself, namely how strong selection is and how many traits or genes it acts on.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter summarizes what is known about ecological speciation, focusing on findings with strong support. It outlines the key missing components in the understanding of ecological speciation, ...
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This chapter summarizes what is known about ecological speciation, focusing on findings with strong support. It outlines the key missing components in the understanding of ecological speciation, thereby outlining clear avenues for further research. It examines aspects of ecological speciation that were not thoroughly treated in this book. It states that the study of ecological speciation is yet to enter a truly experimental phase, where manipulations are commonly employed to isolate causal associations between the factors driving and constraining speciation. The future holds promise, particularly as rapidly developing genomic methodologies continue to be further integrated with classical ecological approaches.Less
This chapter summarizes what is known about ecological speciation, focusing on findings with strong support. It outlines the key missing components in the understanding of ecological speciation, thereby outlining clear avenues for further research. It examines aspects of ecological speciation that were not thoroughly treated in this book. It states that the study of ecological speciation is yet to enter a truly experimental phase, where manipulations are commonly employed to isolate causal associations between the factors driving and constraining speciation. The future holds promise, particularly as rapidly developing genomic methodologies continue to be further integrated with classical ecological approaches.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter focuses on the geographic component of ecological speciation. It begins by giving different definitions of the geography of speciation and then studies the effects of geography on the ...
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This chapter focuses on the geographic component of ecological speciation. It begins by giving different definitions of the geography of speciation and then studies the effects of geography on the sources of divergent selection. It considers how geographic contact between populations might constrain or promote ecological speciation, and how speciation can involve multiple geographic modes of divergence. It also assesses the empirical problem of detecting gene flow, through consideration of comparative geographic, coalescent-based, and genomic approaches. It concludes with a consideration of speciation along continuous environmental gradients versus between discrete patches and the unresolved issue of the spatial scale of speciation.Less
This chapter focuses on the geographic component of ecological speciation. It begins by giving different definitions of the geography of speciation and then studies the effects of geography on the sources of divergent selection. It considers how geographic contact between populations might constrain or promote ecological speciation, and how speciation can involve multiple geographic modes of divergence. It also assesses the empirical problem of detecting gene flow, through consideration of comparative geographic, coalescent-based, and genomic approaches. It concludes with a consideration of speciation along continuous environmental gradients versus between discrete patches and the unresolved issue of the spatial scale of speciation.
Allan G. Ellis, G. Anthony Verboom, Timotheus van der Niet, Steven D. Johnson, and H. Peter Linder
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199679584
- eISBN:
- 9780191791949
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199679584.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
As diversity accumulation reflects the balance between speciation and extinction
through time, the high biotic diversity of the Cape likely results from high speciation
and/or low extinction rates. ...
More
As diversity accumulation reflects the balance between speciation and extinction
through time, the high biotic diversity of the Cape likely results from high speciation
and/or low extinction rates. In the past century numerous authors have speculated about
the extrinsic aspects of the Cape environment or the intrinsic properties of its biota
which may have tipped the scales towards continued diversification. Usually some
combination of complex environmental conditions and relative climatic stability is
invoked. This chapter critically assesses the predominant correlative phylogenetic
evidence for various drivers of diversification in the Cape but focuses mainly on work
from population level studies which more directly addresses the process of speciation
itself. Within the ecological speciation theoretical framework factors promoting
divergent selection and reducing gene flow between populations are explored. The chapter
also reviews the little that is known about extinction in the Cape biota and suggests
future research avenues and approaches which will enhance the understanding of the
processes that underlie the well-established patterns of hyperdiversity in the Cape.Less
As diversity accumulation reflects the balance between speciation and extinction
through time, the high biotic diversity of the Cape likely results from high speciation
and/or low extinction rates. In the past century numerous authors have speculated about
the extrinsic aspects of the Cape environment or the intrinsic properties of its biota
which may have tipped the scales towards continued diversification. Usually some
combination of complex environmental conditions and relative climatic stability is
invoked. This chapter critically assesses the predominant correlative phylogenetic
evidence for various drivers of diversification in the Cape but focuses mainly on work
from population level studies which more directly addresses the process of speciation
itself. Within the ecological speciation theoretical framework factors promoting
divergent selection and reducing gene flow between populations are explored. The chapter
also reviews the little that is known about extinction in the Cape biota and suggests
future research avenues and approaches which will enhance the understanding of the
processes that underlie the well-established patterns of hyperdiversity in the Cape.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter discusses the genomic basis of ecological speciation. It empirically and theoretically explores the genomic perspective of speciation, leading to a more integrative understanding of ...
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This chapter discusses the genomic basis of ecological speciation. It empirically and theoretically explores the genomic perspective of speciation, leading to a more integrative understanding of ecological speciation. The main concept of this chapter is that genetic differentiation between populations is expected to be highly variable across the genome, possibly ranging from some regions with little or no differentiation through to fixed differences. It considers the expectations for genomic divergence at equilibrium and treats the transient effects of selective sweeps, both form new mutations and standing genetic variation. It also highlights key conceptual and theoretical points, and illustrates these points with empirical examples.Less
This chapter discusses the genomic basis of ecological speciation. It empirically and theoretically explores the genomic perspective of speciation, leading to a more integrative understanding of ecological speciation. The main concept of this chapter is that genetic differentiation between populations is expected to be highly variable across the genome, possibly ranging from some regions with little or no differentiation through to fixed differences. It considers the expectations for genomic divergence at equilibrium and treats the transient effects of selective sweeps, both form new mutations and standing genetic variation. It also highlights key conceptual and theoretical points, and illustrates these points with empirical examples.
Patrik Nosil
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199587100
- eISBN:
- 9780191810107
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199587100.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter examines case studies of various types of reproductive isolation during ecological speciation. It considers the contributions of individual reproductive barriers to levels of total ...
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This chapter examines case studies of various types of reproductive isolation during ecological speciation. It considers the contributions of individual reproductive barriers to levels of total reproductive isolation that exist at any one point in time. It tackles the issue of how commonly different barriers are observed during ecological speciation. It also observes the evolution of different barriers during speciation. It states that the explicit theory concerning the timing of evolution of different reproductive barriers, and how different barriers might affect each other, is scarce, explaining that it is difficult to predict which barriers are most likely to drive ecological speciation.Less
This chapter examines case studies of various types of reproductive isolation during ecological speciation. It considers the contributions of individual reproductive barriers to levels of total reproductive isolation that exist at any one point in time. It tackles the issue of how commonly different barriers are observed during ecological speciation. It also observes the evolution of different barriers during speciation. It states that the explicit theory concerning the timing of evolution of different reproductive barriers, and how different barriers might affect each other, is scarce, explaining that it is difficult to predict which barriers are most likely to drive ecological speciation.
Andrew P. Hendry
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780691145433
- eISBN:
- 9781400883080
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691145433.003.0011
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter details the nature of plasticity and how it can be studied, focusing in particular on the “reaction norm” approach. The subsequent key questions first evaluate whether or not plasticity ...
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This chapter details the nature of plasticity and how it can be studied, focusing in particular on the “reaction norm” approach. The subsequent key questions first evaluate whether or not plasticity is typically adaptive, with the main alternative being maladaptive physiological responses to stress. The next question informs the costs and limits to plasticity, without which any environment-phenotype mismatch could be easily bridged. The chapter considers when adaptive plasticity should be strongest, such as when environments are variable in space or time, when gene flow is high, and when reliable cues exist. Also considered are alternative hypotheses for how genetic change and plasticity interact: that is, plasticity might enhance or constrain genetic evolution and ecological speciation.Less
This chapter details the nature of plasticity and how it can be studied, focusing in particular on the “reaction norm” approach. The subsequent key questions first evaluate whether or not plasticity is typically adaptive, with the main alternative being maladaptive physiological responses to stress. The next question informs the costs and limits to plasticity, without which any environment-phenotype mismatch could be easily bridged. The chapter considers when adaptive plasticity should be strongest, such as when environments are variable in space or time, when gene flow is high, and when reliable cues exist. Also considered are alternative hypotheses for how genetic change and plasticity interact: that is, plasticity might enhance or constrain genetic evolution and ecological speciation.
Andrew P. Hendry
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780691145433
- eISBN:
- 9781400883080
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691145433.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
In recent years, scientists have realized that evolution can occur on timescales much shorter than the “long lapse of ages” emphasized by Darwin—in fact, evolutionary change is occurring all around ...
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In recent years, scientists have realized that evolution can occur on timescales much shorter than the “long lapse of ages” emphasized by Darwin—in fact, evolutionary change is occurring all around us all the time. This book provides an authoritative and accessible introduction to eco-evolutionary dynamics, a cutting-edge new field that seeks to unify evolution and ecology into a common conceptual framework focusing on rapid and dynamic environmental and evolutionary change. The book covers key aspects of evolution, ecology, and their interactions. Topics range from natural selection, adaptive divergence, ecological speciation, and gene flow to population and community dynamics, ecosystem function, plasticity, and genomics. The book evaluates conceptual and methodological approaches, and draws on empirical data from natural populations—including those in human-disturbed environments—to tackle a number of classic and emerging research questions. It also discusses exciting new directions for future research at the intersection of ecology and evolution. The book reveals how evolution and ecology interact strongly on short timescales to shape the world we see around us.Less
In recent years, scientists have realized that evolution can occur on timescales much shorter than the “long lapse of ages” emphasized by Darwin—in fact, evolutionary change is occurring all around us all the time. This book provides an authoritative and accessible introduction to eco-evolutionary dynamics, a cutting-edge new field that seeks to unify evolution and ecology into a common conceptual framework focusing on rapid and dynamic environmental and evolutionary change. The book covers key aspects of evolution, ecology, and their interactions. Topics range from natural selection, adaptive divergence, ecological speciation, and gene flow to population and community dynamics, ecosystem function, plasticity, and genomics. The book evaluates conceptual and methodological approaches, and draws on empirical data from natural populations—including those in human-disturbed environments—to tackle a number of classic and emerging research questions. It also discusses exciting new directions for future research at the intersection of ecology and evolution. The book reveals how evolution and ecology interact strongly on short timescales to shape the world we see around us.
