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Dryad

Data from: Information use shapes the dynamics of range expansions into environmental gradients

Cite this dataset

Fronhofer, Emanuel A.; Nitsche, Nicolai; Altermatt, Florian (2017). Data from: Information use shapes the dynamics of range expansions into environmental gradients [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.113v9

Abstract

Globally, the geographical distributions of species are dynamic and strongly influenced by dispersal. At the same time, range dynamics feed back and may select for increased dispersal at expanding range fronts. This interplay between macroecological and evolutionary dynamics happens almost universally across environmental gradients and such gradients can have a direct impact on the fitness of organisms due to the match or mismatch between an individual's environmental optimum and the current conditions along the gradient. Importantly, gradients also provide individuals with information on environmental changes because dispersing individuals may sense whether environmental conditions improve or deteriorate. However, the ability of organisms to use this information on the environment and to subsequently adjust dispersal decisions plastically, that is, deciding to further disperse into the gradient or not, has been largely ignored and the macroecological consequences remain unclear. We here aim to demonstrate the impact of informed dispersal on the eco-evolutionary dynamics of ranges.

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