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Journal ArticleDOI

Hybridization as a stimulus for the evolution of invasiveness in plants

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TLDR
This model does not represent the only evolutionary pathway to invasiveness, but is clearly an underappreciated mechanism worthy of more consideration in explaining the evolution ofinvasiveness in plants.
Abstract
Invasive species are of great interest to evolutionary biologists and ecologists because they represent historical examples of dramatic evolutionary and ecological change. Likewise, they are increasingly important economically and environmentally as pests. Obtaining generalizations about the tiny fraction of immigrant taxa that become successful invaders has been frustrated by two enigmatic phenomena. Many of those species that become successful only do so (i) after an unusually long lag time after initial arrival, and/or (ii) after multiple introductions. We propose an evolutionary mechanism that may account for these observations. Hybridization between species or between disparate source populations may serve as a stimulus for the evolution of invasiveness. We present and review a remarkable number of cases in which hybridization preceded the emergence of successful invasive populations. Progeny with a history of hybridization may enjoy one or more potential genetic benefits relative to their progenitors. The observed lag times and multiple introductions that seem a prerequisite for certain species to evolve invasiveness may be a correlate of the time necessary for previously isolated populations to come into contact and for hybridization to occur. Our examples demonstrate that invasiveness can evolve. Our model does not represent the only evolutionary pathway to invasiveness, but is clearly an underappreciated mechanism worthy of more consideration in explaining the evolution of invasiveness in plants.

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Citations
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Analysis of the olive genome

TL;DR: This study helps unravel the evolutionary history of O. europaea, and uncover a complex scenario of polyploidization and hybridization that resulted in recurrent gene duplications that results in a continuous gene flow from wild to domesticated olive trees.
Journal ArticleDOI

Genetic Diversity in Veronica hederifolia (Plantaginaceae), an Invasive Weed in China, Assessed using AFLP Markers

TL;DR: The Nanjing population, which was the first reported in China, exhibited greater genetic diversity than the Zhoushan population, and this high genetic diversity indicates this weed species potentially has broad adaptability.
Journal ArticleDOI

Human disturbance, habitat degradation and niche shift: the case of the endemic Calendula maritima Guss. (W Sicily, Italy)

TL;DR: Interestingly, a gradual expansion of the niche of C. maritima was highlighted, likely depending on the ability of the species to colonize new plant communities in response to increasing anthropogenic disturbance.
Journal ArticleDOI

Geographic independence and phylogenetic diversity of red shiner introductions

TL;DR: Approximate Bayesian Computation modeling suggests that the disjunct distribution of red shiner across North America is an agglomeration of independent regional invasions with distinct origins, rather than stepwise advance of an invasion front or secondary introductions across regions, so localized control may be effective in managing non-native red shiners, including further spread to areas of conservation concern.
Book ChapterDOI

Progresses and Controversies in Invasion Biology

TL;DR: The field of invasion biology is concerned with understanding the causes and consequences of the human-assisted introduction of organisms outside their native ranges as discussed by the authors, and the major motivation in developing the discipline has been the growing concern over the environmental, economic and social impact caused by some invaders.
References
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Book

Population Biology of Plants

Journal ArticleDOI

Environmental and Economic Costs of Nonindigenous Species in the United States

TL;DR: Aproximately 50,000 nonindigenous (non-native) species are estimated to have been introduced to the United States, many of which are beneficial but have caused major economic losses in agriculture, forestry, and several other segments of the US economy, in addition to harming the environment.
Book

The Ecology of Invasions by Animals and Plants

Charles Elton
TL;DR: The first book on invasion biology, and still the most cited, Elton's masterpiece provides an accessible, engaging introduction to one of the most important environmental crises of the authors' time.
Book

Natural Hybridization and Evolution

TL;DR: This chapter discusses natural hybridization in the context of reproductive parameters, species concepts, and the role that technology has played in shaping human evolution.
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