The role of genetic variation in explaining the invasion success of nonnative species

The invasion success of nonnative species depends on the interaction between life history characteristics of species and environmental characteristics. It however remains difficult to characterize the probability of successful species invasions, or to explain why some introductions are successful whereas others fail. This is, at least partly, due to the fact that, up to date, the role of genetic variation during species invasions has largely been ignored. Based upon the invasion of Europe by the Afro-Asiatic ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri), this pilot study will assess whether genetic variation within a population relates to the pattern of population growth and geographic expansion of that population. This study will also test whether the genetic structure between European parakeet populations is linked to climate factors. This way, new information on the role of (intraspecific) genetic variation during biological invasions will be obtained. This knowledge can then be used to identify populations that are most likely to adapt to the current and future (climate) environments, or to gauge how the invasiveness of populations can change in reaction to climate change.

Keywords:INVASION, ECOLOGICAL MODELLING, EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS

Disciplines:Animal biology, Ecology, Environmental science and management, Other environmental sciences