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Long‐distance dispersal maximizes evolutionary potential during rapid geographic range expansion
Author(s) -
BerthoulySalazar Cécile,
Hui Cang,
Blackburn Tim M.,
Gaboriaud Coline,
Rensburg Berndt J.,
Vuuren Bettine Jansen,
Roux Johannes J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
molecular ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.619
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1365-294X
pISSN - 0962-1083
DOI - 10.1111/mec.12538
Subject(s) - biological dispersal , range (aeronautics) , biology , ecology , genetic diversity , limiting , selection (genetic algorithm) , diversity (politics) , evolutionary biology , population , demography , materials science , sociology , composite material , mechanical engineering , artificial intelligence , computer science , anthropology , engineering
Abstract Conventional wisdom predicts that sequential founder events will cause genetic diversity to erode in species with expanding geographic ranges, limiting evolutionary potential at the range margin. Here, we show that invasive E uropean starlings ( S turnus vulgaris ) in S outh A frica preserve genetic diversity during range expansion, possibly as a result of frequent long‐distance dispersal events. We further show that unfavourable environmental conditions trigger enhanced dispersal, as indicated by signatures of selection detected across the expanding range. This brings genetic variation to the expansion front, counterbalancing the cumulative effects of sequential founding events and optimizing standing genetic diversity and thus evolutionary potential at range margins during spread. Therefore, dispersal strategies should be highlighted as key determinants of the ecological and evolutionary performances of species in novel environments and in response to global environmental change.