The evolutionary impact of invasive species

TLDR

Since the Age of Exploration, biogeographic barriers have been breached, leading to widespread biotic exchanges whose evolutionary consequences are increasingly evident. We explore the nature of these recent biotic exchanges and their consequences on evolutionary processes. Invaders adapt behaviorally and evolutionarily to native species and new abiotic conditions, with behavioral flexibility and mutualisms enhancing their success. Invasive species alter native evolutionary pathways through competitive exclusion, niche displacement, hybridization, introgression, predation, and ultimately extinction.

Abstract

Since the Age of Exploration began, there has been a drastic breaching of biogeographic barriers that previously had isolated the continental biotas for millions of years. We explore the nature of these recent biotic exchanges and their consequences on evolutionary processes. The direct evidence of evolutionary consequences of the biotic rearrangements is of variable quality, but the results of trajectories are becoming clear as the number of studies increases. There are examples of invasive species altering the evolutionary pathway of native species by competitive exclusion, niche displacement, hybridization, introgression, predation, and ultimately extinction. Invaders themselves evolve in response to their interactions with natives, as well as in response to the new abiotic environment. Flexibility in behavior, and mutualistic interactions, can aid in the success of invaders in their new environment.