-- Colin Donihue PhD Candidate Humans are rapidly changing landscapes, but the increasing realization that species can rapidly adapt to their dynamic surroundings has led to the intriguing possibility that ecological systems may be more resilient to human land use than previously appreciated. The processes governing the adaptability of species in human contexts are still relatively unknown as the discipline's historical modus operandi (think Darwin) has been to study evolution in more natural or laboratory contexts. However, humans are one of the most potent drivers of adaptation (Hendry and Kinnison 1999), so it makes sense to study those adaptive dynamics where humans are most prevalent and ecological stressors most varied, abundant, and novel: cities. A fellow student, Max Lambert, and I just wrote a perspective article for AMBIO* making this case. Let me elaborate a bit more on our argument. The field of urban ecology has flourished in the last couple of decades. Within that time it has made several exciting discoveries leading to fundamental paradigm shifts within the discipline. Where scientists first focused on ecology in cities (e.g., distribution of raccoons relative to trash) they have now shifted to studying the ecology of cities (e.g., heat island effect), explicitly acknowledging the inextricable role of humans in the dynamics of the system. As numerous studies have convincingly demonstrated (see the Phoenix and Baltimore LTERs), cities are functional ecosystems with unique and characteristic ecologies. We argue then that it follows that the species composing those communities would be evolving to their novel and dynamic contexts. Tracking evolution and testing for adaptive trait changes in city species requires a multi-step research program. Initially, identifying traits that vary with environmental context will be facilitated by the gradients that characterize many of these potential adaptive drivers in urban settings (thermal, food, noise, habitat structure, chemical; Fig. 1). However, context-dependent trait variation does not necessarily imply adaptation, so subsequent common garden experiments or reciprocal transplant experiments can give insight to the genetic basis and fitness implications of the observed trait variability. These experiments are often logistically complicated in city centers, but already great examples exist of creative experiments that begin exploring these questions. Why is this important? Studying evolution in urban contexts enables new insight difficult or impossible to gain in more natural settings on the adaptive potential of species caught in humanity's headlights. We propose that species in cities may be evolving faster than previously appreciated, in time with the fastest rates of urbanization in human history (Seto et al. 2010). Furthermore, because cities often encompass predictable and comparable gradients in many of these potential adaptive drivers (Fig. 1), comparing the evolutionary trajectories of urban species in multiple cities (Fig. 2 and manuscript text) will give great insight to the question of repeated and therefore predictable evolution, a fundamental point of debate since Darwin. Urban planners are calling on ecologists to help design urban environments to better achieve conservation goals (Felson et al. 2013). Understanding the cause, rate, and predictability of species adaptation to humans will better inform urban design, species conservation, and our basic understanding of one of biology's few constants, evolution. Want to read more about applied work going on in Urban Ecology and Landscape Architecture? The Yale Hixon Center is doing some really exciting work.
A great deal of work by other researchers is generally referenced in this post. Please see published paper for full citations and attribution. * If you can't access the paper please email me for an uncopyrighted draft of the manuscript. Works cited: - Felson, A.J, E.E. Oldfield, and M.A. Bradford. 2013. Involving ecologists in shaping large-scale green infrastructure projects. BioScience 63: 882-890. - Hendry, A.P., and M.T. Kinnison. 1999. The pace of modern life: Measuring rates of contemporary microevolution. Evolution 53: 1637-1653. - Seto, K.C., R. Sanchez-Rodriguez, and M. Fragkias. 2010. The new geography of contemporary urbanization and the environment. Annual Review of Environmental Resources 35: 167-194.
73 Comments
2/21/2023 01:29:06 pm
Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info.
Reply
Yash it's exciting to see such forward-thinking research that not only deepens our understanding of evolution but also has the potential to shape future urban development in ways that benefit both people and nature. This work has the potential to make a real impact on how cities are designed and managed, promoting more sustainable and biodiverse urban landscapes. Great job on highlighting this important and innovative area of research!
Reply
4/29/2024 12:06:33 pm
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking.
Reply
6/5/2024 09:44:15 pm
Truly, this article is really one of the very best in the history of articles. I am a antique ’Article’ collector and I sometimes read some new articles if I find them interesting. And I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. Very good work!
Reply
6/7/2024 07:34:41 pm
I think this is a standout amongst the most critical data for me. What"s more, i"m happy perusing your article. Be that as it may, ought to comment on some broad things
Reply
6/12/2024 06:26:45 am
I learn some new stuff from it too, thanks for sharing your information.
Reply
6/12/2024 08:09:37 am
Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also
Reply
6/12/2024 10:32:15 am
BenefitsCal is a comprehensive online system that allows California residents to apply for, renew, and manage their public assistance benefits in one place.
Reply
6/12/2024 10:33:40 am
I hope you'll keep writing insightful posts like this one and others for us to everyone to read!
Reply
6/15/2024 03:49:50 am
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know.
Reply
6/24/2024 10:25:57 am
Climate change will have a larger impact on economic losses in the future, according to Swiss Re Institute. A new analysis of 36 countries ranks the Philippines and the US as the most economically exposed countries today, where hazard intensification is likely to occur due to climate change. Even adjusting for inflation, the September storm, one of history’s most-destructive natural catastrophes, would have been half or even a third as expensive in the 1970s
Reply
Absolutely fantastic article! The insights are not only spot on but also incredibly enlightening. Your expertise shines through and makes a real impact. I can't wait to see more of your outstanding content!
Reply
123Movies provides a simple and free of cost way to watch the latest Hollywood, Bollywood and international content online. It has emerged as the top-rated website for movie streaming due to its massive library and user-friendly platform. It has always been the first choice of all types of movies, shows, and series lovers as the go-to website for online free streaming.
Reply
8/11/2024 11:01:35 am
CrackStreams is a website known for providing free access to live sports streams, including major events like NFL games, NBA matches, and more. However, it's important to note a few key issues with using such sites
Reply
9/14/2024 06:18:56 am
Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much.
Reply
10/14/2024 02:57:15 pm
Mypuppen bietet lebensgroße Sexpuppen, die für ihre hohe Qualität und realistische Gestaltung bekannt sind. Perfekt für alle, die eine realitätsnahe Erfahrung suchen.
Reply
10/15/2024 03:19:20 am
Mi piace molto questo articolo, l'autore è molto professionale! Sono un giocatore di FC 25. Di solito mi piace costruire la mia squadra e guardo spesso l'andamento dei prezzi dei Crediti FC 25 come riferimento per costruire una formazione.
Reply
11/22/2024 05:19:11 pm
مؤسسة دفوة الوعيلي للمقاولات والترميم هي مؤسسة متخصصة في تقديم خدمات المقاولات العامة وأعمال الترميم والصيانة. توفر المؤسسة حلولاً متكاملة تشمل بناء المنازل، تشييد المشاريع التجارية، وتجديد المباني القديمة باستخدام أفضل المواد وأحدث التقنيات. تتميز المؤسسة بالالتزام بالجودة والدقة في التنفيذ، مع مراعاة تسليم المشاريع في الوقت المحدد ووفق الميزانية المحددة. بفضل فريق عمل محترف وخبرة طويلة في قطاع المقاولات، تسعى مؤسسة دفوة الوعيلي لتحقيق رضا عملائها وتلبية تطلعاتهم في إنشاء وتصميم مشاريع عالية الكفاءة والجودة.
Reply
11/27/2024 06:00:03 am
The article looks magnificent, but it would be beneficial if you can share more about the suchlike subjects in the future. Keep posting.
Reply
11/30/2024 01:08:06 am
<a href="https://www.telegram-ios.com">Telegram</a> has proven to be an invaluable tool for environmental advocates in Hong Kong, especially in mobilizing local communities around sustainability initiatives. The article highlights how social media platforms are changing the way environmental campaigns are run, and Telegram's ability to share information in real-time can play a critical role in raising awareness about environmental issues in the region. The ease of organizing, sharing, and discussing green initiatives makes Telegram an essential communication tool for Hong Kong's eco-conscious citizens.
Reply
11/30/2024 01:08:56 am
<a href="https://www.telegram-ios.com/blogs/4">Telegram</a> role in facilitating quick communication and raising awareness about environmental concerns is particularly evident in Hong Kong, where rapid urbanization poses a threat to local ecosystems. This article rightly emphasizes how effective digital platforms are in advocating for sustainability, and in Hong Kong, where urban development is on the rise, tools like Telegram are instrumental in bridging gaps between local environmental movements and larger, global conversations about climate change.
Reply
11/30/2024 01:15:27 am
<a href="https://telegrams-apk.org">Telegram</a> is an effective way to connect environmental groups across Hong Kong, particularly when addressing urgent issues such as air quality and waste management, as discussed in the article. In a city where environmental challenges are ever-present, having a communication platform that allows for efficient and immediate action is crucial. Telegram allows for rapid dissemination of information, which is key when organizing clean-up campaigns or pushing for government action on climate change.
Reply
11/30/2024 01:16:15 am
Telegram’s flexibility makes it a powerful tool for Hong Kong residents to stay informed and involved in environmental campaigns, as the article points out. Whether it's sharing real-time updates about pollution levels or organizing green events, Telegram's seamless integration with various devices allows Hong Kong's eco-friendly community to stay connected and mobilized. The article underscores the importance of using digital tools for environmental advocacy, and Telegram is an ideal platform for this purpose in Hong Kong.
Reply
12/10/2024 12:37:21 am
Municipal Solid Waste(MSW) Shredder is a Indispensable Machine in Municipal Solid Waste Sorting Plant.
Reply
1/7/2025 08:57:25 am
I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work.
Reply
1/14/2025 04:30:19 am
Haai! Iemand in my Myspace-groep het hierdie webwerf met ons gedeel, so ek het dit ondersoek.
Reply
1/24/2025 11:22:38 pm
I’m grateful for the user-friendly design and valuable content.
Reply
2/10/2025 03:45:10 am
Great articles and great layout. Your blog post deserves all of the positive feedback it’s been getting.
Reply
2/27/2025 01:28:01 am
Urban ecosystems are constantly evolving, adapting to the rapid changes brought by human activities and environmental factors. From resilient plant species to wildlife adjusting to city life, adaptive evolution is shaping the biodiversity of modern cities. As we witness this transformation, having the ELFBAR BC10000 Disposable Vape by your side makes exploring urban landscapes even more enjoyable. With its sleek design and long-lasting performance, it's the perfect companion for those who appreciate both nature and innovation. Whether you're observing city birds or enjoying a walk through green spaces, the rich flavors of ELFBAR BC10000 add a touch of relaxation to your urban adventures.
Reply
3/14/2025 04:50:40 am
Thank you for the well-researched content available online.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
November 2019
Categories
All
|