Genetic diversity is positively associated with fine-scale momentary abundance of an invasive ant

摘要: Many introduced species become invasive despite genetic bottlenecks that should, in theory, decrease the chances of invasion success. By contrast, population have been hypothesized to increase success unicolonial ants by increasing similarity between descendent populations, thus promoting co-operation. We investigated these alternate hypotheses yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes, which has invaded Arnhem Land Australia's Northern Territory. used momentary abundance as a surrogate measure success, and relationship A. gracilipes diversity its abundance, effect on community structure. also whether selected habitat characteristics contributed differences for we found no evidence. Our results revealed significant positive association abundance. Invaded communities were less diverse differed structure from uninvaded communities, effects stronger increased. These contradict hypothesis may promote unicoloniality. However, our study diverged since introduction, obscured evidence bottleneck would likely occurred arrival. The relative importance be context dependent, role more obvious absence highly favorable novel ecological conditions.