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Rapid adaptive evolution to drought in a subset of plant traits in a large‐scale climate change experiment
Author(s) -
Metz Johannes,
Lampei Christian,
Bäumler Laura,
Bocherens Hervé,
Dittberner Hannes,
Henneberg Lorenz,
Meaux Juliette,
Tielbörger Katja
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/ele.13596
Subject(s) - climate change , adaptation (eye) , natural selection , ecology , biology , trait , phenology , mediterranean climate , selection (genetic algorithm) , phenotypic plasticity , adaptive evolution , natural (archaeology) , local adaptation , biochemistry , paleontology , population , demography , artificial intelligence , neuroscience , sociology , computer science , gene , programming language
Rapid evolution of traits and of plasticity may enable adaptation to climate change, yet solid experimental evidence under natural conditions is scarce. Here, we imposed rainfall manipulations (+30%, control, −30%) for 10 years on entire natural plant communities in two Eastern Mediterranean sites. Additional sites along a natural rainfall gradient and selection analyses in a greenhouse assessed whether potential responses were adaptive. In both sites, our annual target species Biscutella didyma consistently evolved earlier phenology and higher reproductive allocation under drought. Multiple arguments suggest that this response was adaptive: it aligned with theory, corresponding trait shifts along the natural rainfall gradient, and selection analyses under differential watering in the greenhouse. However, another seven candidate traits did not evolve, and there was little support for evolution of plasticity. Our results provide compelling evidence for rapid adaptive evolution under climate change. Yet, several non‐evolving traits may indicate potential constraints to full adaptation.