Chapter 8 - Invasion genetics: Molecular genetic insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of biological invasions

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the field of invasion genetics: the use of population genetics and genomics, phylogeography, and phylogenetics to better understand the ecology and evolutionary biology of invasive species. Continuous advances in molecular biology have made genetic tools central in addressing applied (e.g. invasive species management) as well fundamental (e.g. the evolution of invasiveness) questions in invasion biology. This chapter summarises how genetic studies have helped us to solve taxonomic uncertainties, introduction histories, and to grasp the evolutionary dynamics of invasive species. Case studies are provided to illustrate the contribution of invasion genetics to our understanding of how demographic processes and natural selection influence exotic species during different stages of invasion. The chapter also discusses the emerging role of whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomics in understanding invasive species biology. Food for thought for future research is provided.