Phenotypic plasticity opposes species invasions by altering fitness surface.

ABSTRACT: Understanding species invasion is a central problem in ecology because invasions of exotic species severely impact ecosystems, and because invasions underlie fundamental ecological processes. However, the influence on invasions of phenotypic plasticity, a key component of many species interactions, is unknown. We present a model in which phenotypic plasticity of a resident species increases its ability to oppose invaders, and plasticity of an invader increases its ability to displace residents. Whereas these effects are expected due to increased fitness associated with phenotypic plasticity, the model additionally reveals a new and unforeseen mechanism by which plasticity affects invasions: phenotypic plasticity increases the steepness of the fitness surface, thereby making invasion more d

SUBMITTER: Peacor SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1629039 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature