The implications of rapid eco‐evolutionary processes for biological control ‐ a review

Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 167(7), P. 598 - 615

Published: July 1, 2019

Abstract Novel environmental conditions experienced by introduced species can drive rapid evolution of diverse traits. In turn, evolution, both adaptive and non‐adaptive, influence population size, growth rate, other important ecological characteristics populations. addition, spatial evolutionary processes that arise from a combination assortative mating between highly dispersive individuals at the expanding edge populations altered reproductive rates those accelerate expansion speed. Growing experimental evidence shows effects on dynamics be quite large, thus it affect establishment, persistence, distribution We review theoretical literature such eco‐evolutionary feedbacks evaluate implications these for biological control. Experiments show evolving establish higher grow larger than non‐evolving However, non‐adaptive processes, as genetic drift inbreeding depression also lead to reduced fitness declines in size. Spatial increase spread change front. These examples demonstrate power indicate is likely more biocontrol programs previously realized. discuss how this knowledge used enhance efficacy

Language: Английский

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Mixing source populations increases genetic diversity of restored rare plant populations

Restoration Ecology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 28(3), P. 583 - 593

Published: Feb. 6, 2020

The genetic diversity of germplasm used in reintroduction and restoration efforts can influence how resulting populations establish, reproduce, evolve over time, particularly disturbed changing conditions. Regional admixture provenancing, mixing seeds derived from multiple within the same region as target site, has been suggested to produce genetically diverse germplasm. Yet little empirical evidence shows this approach compares source populations, or it varies restored populations. Here, we use neutral molecular markers follow through production when nursery beds. Castilleja levisecta is a rare species experiencing inbreeding depression remaining with federal recovery plan requiring re‐establishment areas where extirpated. Specifically, track wild‐collected different approaches reintroductions using two propagule types. We show that measures diversity, inbreeding, relatedness change during material produced regional provenancing approach, step at which are mixed type influencing whether all equally represented. While increased throughout process, beds but decreased reintroductions, lowest rather than plugs. results highlight importance taking an integrated informed by research planning implementing mixed‐source

Language: Английский

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Shifts from pulled to pushed range expansions caused by reduction of landscape connectivity

Oikos, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 130(5), P. 708 - 724

Published: Feb. 18, 2021

Range expansions are key processes shaping the distribution of species; their ecological and evolutionary dynamics have become especially relevant today, as human influence reshapes ecosystems worldwide. Many attempts to explain predict range assume, explicitly or implicitly, so‐called ‘pulled' expansion dynamics, in which low‐density edge populations provide most ‘fuel' for species advance. Some expansions, however, exhibit very different with high‐density behind front ‘pushing' forward. These two types predicted effects on e.g. genetic diversity habitat quality sensitivity. However, empirical studies lacking due challenge generating reliably pushed versus pulled laboratory, discriminating them field. We here propose that manipulating degree connectivity among may prove a more generalizable way create expansions. demonstrate this individual‐based simulations well replicated experimental (using parasitoid wasp Trichogramma brassicae model). By analyzing velocities neutral diversity, we showed reducing led dynamics. Low alone, i.e. without density‐dependent dispersal, can only lead ‘weakly pushed' where invasion speed conforms expectations, but decline does not. In low some cases also adjustments dispersal‐density function, recreating ‘classical' current context loss fragmentation, need better account relationship between regimes successfully consequences

Language: Английский

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Embryo reintroduction to enhance genetic diversity in a Marsh deer population: first attempt, outcomes, challenges, and future perspectives

Frontiers in Conservation Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6

Published: March 14, 2025

Introduction The loss of genetic diversity is a critical factor in the extinction process, exacerbated by anthropogenic pressures and demographic stochasticity, particularly small populations. Traditional population restoration methods, such as individual translocation ecological corridors, present challenges, including high costs, adaptation difficulties, pathogen introduction, outbreeding risks. Embryo reintroduction has emerged potential strategy for rescue. This study aimed to evaluate feasibility embryo transfer rescue tool marsh deer ( Blastocerus dichotomus ), species classified Vulnerable IUCN. Methods Following construction Sérgio Motta Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHSM) 1998, over 1,000 was impacted, leading capture 93 individuals ex situ (82) (11) conservation efforts. Between 1998 2001, an experimental program established new 2,000-hectare wetland near Jataí Ecological Station (EEJ) Luis Antônio, São Paulo, Brazil. Over time, this reached carrying capacity 25 but experienced loss. To address this, we conducted experiment using female from reintroduced receipt embryos captive population. female, captured during late pregnancy, subjected estrous cycle synchronization after giving birth being apart its fawn. Two were implanted, re-released 10 days. Monitoring via radio transmitter collar (GPS–GSM) helicopter tracking. Results did not give implanted recaptured nine months later ultrasonographic evaluation, which indicated six-month pregnancy. suggests that lost early gestation, natural fertilization occurred approximately three post-release. Discussion demonstrates technical strategy, even though pregnancy carried term. ability capture, temporarily hold, successfully reintroduce free-ranging minimal disruption behaviors. Future improvements quality, hormonal protocols, confirmation prior release could enhance success rate method. presents promising alternative traditional offering novel approach mitigating risks small, isolated

Language: Английский

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Prior adaptation, diversity, and introduction frequency mediate the positive relationship between propagule pressure and the initial success of founding populations

Biological Invasions, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 20(9), P. 2451 - 2459

Published: March 28, 2018

Language: Английский

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The power of evolutionary rescue is constrained by genetic load

Evolutionary Applications, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 10(7), P. 731 - 741

Published: April 24, 2017

Abstract The risk of extinction faced by small isolated populations in changing environments can be reduced rapid adaptation and subsequent growth to larger, less vulnerable sizes. Whether this process, called evolutionary rescue, is able reduce sustain population over multiple generations largely unknown. To understand the consequences adaptive evolution as well maladaptive processes populations, we subjected experimental Tribolium castaneum founded with 10 or 40 individuals novel environments, one more favorable, resource poor, either allowed evolution, constrained it replacing one‐for‐one each generation those from a large maintained natal environment. Replacement spent target environment before use standardize effects due parental After eight mixed subset surviving facilitate admixture, allowing us estimate drift load comparing performance unmixed groups. Evolving had rates, increased sizes first four five compared where was constrained. Performance evolving subsequently declined. Admixture restored their performance, indicating high that may have overwhelmed beneficial populations. Our results indicate quickly increase sizes, but suggest relying solely on standing genetic variation not provide long‐term benefits diploid sexual species, active management facilitating gene flow necessary for longer term persistence.

Language: Английский

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Genomic Insights Into Red Squirrels in Scotland Reveal Loss of Heterozygosity Associated With Extreme Founder Effects

Evolutionary Applications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 18(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Remnant populations of endangered species often have complex demographic histories associated with human impact. This can present challenges for conservation as modified by activity may require bespoke management. The Eurasian red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris (L., 1758), is in the UK. Scotland represents a key stronghold, but Scottish been subjected to intense anthropogenic influence, including widespread extirpations, reintroductions and competition from an invasive species. study examined genetic legacy these events through low coverage whole-genome resequencing 106 squirrels. Previously undetected patterns population structure gene flow were uncovered. One offshore island, four mainland populations, east-coast migration corridor observed. An abrupt historical bottleneck, related extreme founder effects, has led severe prolonged depression genome-wide heterozygosity, which amongst lowest reported any Current designated squirrel stronghold locations do not encompass all existing diversity. These findings highlight legacies past influence on long-term diversity taxa. Continuing management interventions regular monitoring are recommended safeguard improve future

Language: Английский

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Maintenance of Genetic Diversity Despite Population Fluctuations in the Lesser Prairie‐Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus)

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Assessments of genetic diversity, structure, history, and effective population size ( N e ) are critical for the conservation imperiled populations. The lesser prairie‐chicken Tympanuchus pallidicinctus has experienced declines due to habitat loss, degradation, fragmentation in addition substantial fluctuations with unknown effects on diversity. Our objectives were to: (i) compare diversity across three temporally discrete sampling periods (2002, 2007–2010, 2013–2014) that characterized by low or high abundance; (ii) examine at lek cluster spatial scales; identify potential bottlenecks characterize structure relatedness; (iii) estimate regional . We analyzed 194 samples shinnery oak prairie region eastern New Mexico western Texas using 13 microsatellite loci. Mean heterozygosity, allelic richness, inbreeding coefficient not significantly different between periods, suggesting this maintained its sampled fluctuations. did detect multiple Bayesian clustering approaches. Furthermore, there was no support recent bottlenecks, we estimated ranged from 229.5 p crit = 0.05, 95% CIs 121.2–1023.1) 349.1 0.02, 176.4–2895.2) during our final period (2013–2014). Although provide evidence gene flow within region, continued loss leads isolation could increase risk consequences. Continued monitoring increasing available supports robust populations prairie‐chickens may improve likelihood species' persistence.

Language: Английский

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Genetic Diversity Should Be Considered in Biological Control Programmes in Plantation Forestry

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Potential limits to the benefits of admixture during biological invasion

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 28(1), P. 100 - 113

Published: Nov. 28, 2018

Species introductions often bring together genetically divergent source populations, resulting in genetic admixture. This geographic reshuffling of diversity has the potential to generate favourable new combinations, facilitating establishment and invasive spread introduced populations. Observational support for superior performance admixed been mixed, however, broad importance admixture invasion questioned. Under most underlying mechanisms, admixture's benefits should be expected increase with greater divergence among lower within though these effects have not quantified invaders. We experimentally crossed populations differing plant Centaurea solstitialis. Crosses resulted many positive (heterotic) interactions, but fitness declined were ultimately negative at high divergence, patterns suggesting cytonuclear epistasis. explored literature assess whether such epistatic interactions might impeding population divergence. Admixed reported plants came from sources a wide range variation, disproportionately absent where there was native conclude that while is common species happens under conditions beneficial invaders, may constrained by predictable potentially explaining conflicting evidence invasion.

Language: Английский

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