Accelerating invasion rates result from the evolution of density-dependent dispersal

Justin M. J. Travis, Karen Mustin, Tim G. Benton, Calvin Dytham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

109 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Evolutionary processes play an important role in shaping the dynamics of range expansions, and selection on dispersal propensity has been demonstrated to accelerate rates of advance. Previous theory has considered only the evolution of unconditional dispersal rates, but dispersal is often more complex. For example, many species emigrate in response to crowding. Here, we use an individual-based model to investigate the evolution of density dependent dispersal into empty habitat, such as during an invasion. The landscape is represented as a lattice and dispersal between Populations follows a stepping-stone pattern. Individuals carry three 'genes' that determine their dispersal strategy when experiencing different population densities. For a stationary range we obtain results consistent with previous theoretical studies: few individuals emigrate from patches that are below equilibrium density. However, during the range expansion of a previously stationary population, we observe evolution towards dispersal strategies where considerable emigration occurs well below equilibrium density. This is true even for moderate costs to dispersal, and always results in accelerating rates of range expansion. Importantly, the evolution we observe at an expanding front depends upon fitness integrated over several generations and cannot be predicted by a consideration of lifetime reproductive success alone. We argue that a better understanding of the role of density dependent dispersal, and its evolution, in driving population dynamics is required especially within the context of range expansions. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)151-158
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology
Volume259
Issue number1
Early online date14 Mar 2009
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Jul 2009

Keywords

  • dispersal
  • evolution
  • invasion
  • range shifting
  • climate change
  • exotic
  • lifetime reproductive success
  • fitness
  • migration
  • demographic stochasticity
  • species range
  • expanding population
  • kin competition
  • define fitness
  • wave-front
  • metapopulation
  • mutation
  • dynamics
  • consequences

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