New Lit Alert: Urban evolution of invasive species

Urban evolution of invasive species

Jesse B Borden, S Luke Flory

Abstract

Urban areas can drive rapid evolution of species and are hotspots for entry and establishment of invasive species, but it is unclear how urban evolution is impacting the process and risk of invasion by non‐native species. Using a synthesis of current research as a basis, we contend that urban evolution of non‐native species can enhance invader establishment, spread, and ecological impact, which can facilitate invader success under future global change conditions. In addition, we highlight that ecological opportunity in urban areas is a potentially important but unexplored mechanism that could accelerate invader evolution. Urban evolution of invaders is a critical new area of research that could reveal novel pathways and mechanisms in the invasion process, and improve predictions and management of invasive species around the world.

 

Borden, J.B. and Flory, S.L., 2021. Urban evolution of invasive species. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 19(3), pp.184-191.

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Featured Image: Anolis sagrei, K. Winchell (CC-BY-NC)

Catch up on recent urban eco-evo literature in the Literature section

Kristin Winchell

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