Abstract
Millennia of human land-use have resulted in the widespread occurrence of what have been coined ‘domesticated ecosystems’. The anthropogenic imprints on diversity, composition, structure and functioning of such systems are well documented. However, evolutionary consequences of human activities in these ecosystems are enigmatic. Calluna vulgaris (L.) is a keystone species of coastal heathlands in northwest Europe, an ancient semi-natural landscape of considerable conservation interest. Like many species from naturally fire-prone ecosystems, Calluna shows smoke-adapted germination, but it is unclear whether this trait arose prior to the development of these semi-natural landscapes or is an evolutionary response to the anthropogenic fire regime. We show that smoke-induced germination in Calluna is found in populations from traditionally burnt coastal heathlands but is lacking in naturally occurring populations from other habitats with infrequent natural fires. Our study thus demonstrates evolutionary imprints of human land-use in semi-natural ecosystems. Evolutionary consequences of historic anthropogenic impacts on wildlife have been understudied, but understanding these consequences is necessary for informed conservation and ecosystem management.
Highlights
Fire is known to stimulate germination in many species of naturally fire-prone ecosystems worldwide [1,2]
Major expansion occurred from ca 5000 BP in Jutland, Denmark [12], and at 3300–1000 BP in western Norway [11,13]; and studies are scarce in the north, there is evidence of anthropogenic coastal heathland 4700–3300 BP in central Norway [14], and 3800–1800 BP in northern Norway [15]
Smoke-induced germination is known from Calluna populations in anthropogenic coastal heathlands [17,18], where it increases recruitment from seedbanks in newly burnt heath
Summary
Fire is known to stimulate germination in many species of naturally fire-prone ecosystems worldwide [1,2]. Humans have used burning as a management tool for millennia [8,9], and fire has strong impacts on the structure and functioning of the resulting semi-natural ecosystems [8,10], suggesting that culturally fire-prone habitats may be good candidate systems for studying evolutionary responses to human management regimes. The coastal heathlands of northwest Europe constitute an anthropogenic landscape that has been continuously managed by traditional burning and grazing regimes for up to 6000 years [9,10,11].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
