Rapid evolution in a changing world
Abstract: Understanding how and when species can genetically adapt to changing environmental questions remains a fundamental question in ecology and evolution. If such rapid evolution can occur on contemporary timescales, then some species may be able to persist in the face of climate change, novel infectious diseases, and other anthropogenic threats. To develop a predictive framework, our lab combines genomic and transcriptomic approaches to identify signals of recent responses to selection. I will discuss empirical examples of rapid evolution in three systems: 1. Invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes that may be in the incipient stages of evolving resistance to a commonly used lampricide, 2. Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) that were introduced to the Great Lakes in 1956 and rapidly adapted to entirely novel environmental conditions; in particular the introduced pink salmon now treat the entirely freshwater environment of the Great Lakes as a surrogate ocean, and 3. Kellet’s Whelks (Kelletia kelletii) from California, which have expanded their range hundreds of kilometers northward in response to changing ocean conditions. I will conclude with some suggestions on how best to facilitate adaptive responses in changing environments and what genetic information we still need to best conserve biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.
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IGB Colloquia open up!
IGB strives to facilitate and accelerate the exchange of knowledge and ideas within and also outside of IGB. One element contributing to inter- and transdisciplinary exchange, and more (scientific) cooperation and innovation, is to open up IGB Colloquia to an interested external audience from science (other research institutes, universities, laboratories) as well as practice (i.e. conservationists, freshwater/land-use managers, authorities, associations). If you would like to join this IGB Colloquium as a guest, we ask you to register until the morning of the colloquium 10 o'clock the latest. After we have checked your registration, you will receive the participation link.