Evolutionary responses to climate change in a range expanding plant

摘要: To understand the biological effects of climate change, it is essential to take into account species' evolutionary responses their changing environments. Ongoing change resulting in species shifting geographical distribution ranges poleward. We tested whether a successful range expanding plant has rapidly adapted regional conditions its novel range, and adaptation could be driven by herbivores. Furthermore, we investigated if enemy release occurred newly colonized areas origins differed herbivore resistance. Plants were cloned reciprocally transplanted between three experimental sites across range. Effects herbivores on performance individually caging plants with either open or closed cages. There was no indication (regional) abiotic conditions. originating from always larger than core at all sites, without herbivory. Herbivore damage highest not lowest suggesting impact. Genotypes more damaged compared genotypes most northern site which dominated generalist slug also detected subtle shifts chemical defenses origins. had inducible defenses. Our results suggest that are may evolve increased vigor altered resistance new analogous invasive plants.