Trade-offs and the evolution of life-histories during range expansion
Authored by Justin MJ Travis, Olivia J Burton, Ben L Phillips
Date Published: 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01505.x
Sponsors:
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Australian Research Council (ARC)
United Kingdom Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
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Abstract
P>During range-advance, individuals on the expanding edge of the
population face a unique selective environment. In this study, we use a
three-trait trade-off model to explore the evolution of dispersal, reproduction and competitive ability during range expansion. We show
that range expansion greatly affects the evolution of life-history
traits due to differing selection pressures at the front of the range
compared with those found in stationary and core populations. During
range expansion, dispersal and reproduction are selected for on the
expanding population front, whereas traits associated with fitness at
equilibrium density (competitive ability) show dramatic declines.
Additionally, we demonstrate that the presence of a competing species
can considerably reduce the extent to which dispersal is selected
upwards at an expanding front. These findings have important
implications for understanding both the rate of spread of invasive
species and the range-shifting dynamics of native species in response to
climate change.
Tags
selection
Density-dependent dispersal
Metapopulation
ecology
invasion
Landscape structure
Rates
Climate-change
Reproduction
Population history