Matching habitat choice causes directed gene flow : A neglected dimension in evolution and ecology

• Gene flow among populations is typically thought to be antagonistic to population differentiation and local adaptation. However,this assumes that dispersing individuals disperse randomly with respect to their ability to use the environment. Yet dispersingindividuals often sample and compare environments and settle in those environments that best match their phenotype, causingdirected gene flow, which can in fact promote population differentiation and adaptation. We refer to this process as “matchinghabitat choice.” Although this process has been acknowledged by several researchers, no synthesis or perspective on its potentiallywidespread importance exists. Here we synthesize empirical and theoretical studies, and offer a new perspective that matchinghabitat choice can have significant effects on important and controversial topics. We discuss the potential implications of matchinghabitat choice for the degree and rate of local adaptation, the evolution of niche width, adaptive peak shifts, speciation in thepresence of gene flow, and on our view and interpretation of measures of natural selection. Because of its potential importance forsuch a wide range of topics, we call for heightened empirical and theoretical attention for this neglected dimension in evolutionaryand ecological studies.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Evolutionsbiologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Evolutionary Biology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Dispersal

gene flow

habitat choice

local adaptation

migration–selection balance

natural selection

population differentiation.

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)