You are here:
How important is intraspecific genetic admixture to the success of colonising populations?
Citation:
Rius, M. AND J. Darling. How important is intraspecific genetic admixture to the success of colonising populations? TRENDS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 29(4):233-242, (2014).
Impact/Purpose:
This paper reviews the role of genetic admixture in driving population range expansions, especially in reference to invasive species. It critically surveys evidence for the importance of genetic admixture in this role, and provides recommendations for future research to better understand that role. It is relevant to understanding risks associated with invasive species, as genetic admixture is now frequently noted as a risk factor for invasiveness.
Description:
Genetic admixture of divergent lineages is increasingly suspected to play an important role in the success of colonizing populations. This has become a particularly prominent theme in the literature on biological invasions, where admixture is now commonly proposed as an important contributor to invasiveness. However, because selection is typically expected to favor locally adapted genotypes and select against intraspecific hybridization, it remains unclear how often admixture can act as a true driver of colonization success. We review the population consequences of admixture and discuss its costs and benefits across a broad spectrum of ecological contexts. We critically evaluate the evidence for a causal role of admixture in successful colonization, and consider that role more generally in driving population range expansion.
