Abstract
AbstractAimAlien species successfully colonize new ranges if they encounter favourable environmental conditions there and possess traits that match new challenges. Climate‐matching approaches comparing native and exotic ranges mostly consider temperature and precipitation niches of alien species, but have largely ignored UV‐B radiation. UV‐B fundamentally differs between hemispheres, with much higher levels at southern than at northern latitudes. Consequently, UV‐B might act at the global scale and present a so far neglected filter that species need to overcome when invading high‐UV‐B environments.LocationWe performed two multi‐species common garden experiments, conducted in the native European range (Germany) and the high‐UV‐B exotic range (New Zealand) to test for preadaptation to UV‐B.MethodsWe used 25 herbaceous species from open habitats, which we exposed in each range to three UV radiation treatments: (a) natural sunlight, (b) exclusion of UV‐B while allowing natural UV‐A, and (c) exclusion of UV‐B and UV‐A. We additionally used plant traits (TRY), global distribution data (GBIF, GloNAF) and global UV‐B satellite data (glUV) to determine species‐specific characteristics as fostering agents of UV‐B tolerance. The joint analysis of experimental and macroecological data allowed quantification of species plasticity and identification of beneficial species traits in high‐UV‐B environments.ResultsOur results showed an overall limiting effect of UV‐B in both common gardens but the UV‐stress response tended to be more pronounced in the invaded range. Across all species, we found little evidence for preadaptation by functional plant traits. In contrast, preadaptation to climatic conditions related to the species’ native UV‐B niche was of greater importance for plant performance in the presence of UV‐B radiation.Main conclusionsFor predicting alien species’ ability to expand into high‐UV‐B environments, macroclimatic niche characteristics of the species’ native range might be better predictors than functional traits and should be more considered in future projection models.
Highlights
Alien species reach novel habitats due to human-mediated transport and expand into new ranges with sometimes severe consequences for indigenous plant communities and ecosystems and/or the local economy
In two common garden experiments, we studied the role of preadaptation to UV-B radiation on 25 herbaceous species from open habitats and eleven families, both in the native northern hemisphere (Central Europe) and the invaded southern hemisphere (New Zealand)
In the presence of UV-B radiation species with higher specific leaf areaspec responded with a stronger increase in LDMCind, whereas at reduced levels of UV there was a negative relationship between SLAspec and LDMCind (p = .022, Figure 1c)
Summary
Alien species reach novel habitats due to human-mediated transport and expand into new ranges with sometimes severe consequences for indigenous plant communities and ecosystems and/or the local economy (see Blackburn et al, 2011; Heger, Saul, & Trepl, 2013; Richardson et al, 2000). Favourable traits and mechanisms existing prior to invasion that may convey high aptitude for a particular environmental factor in a new region could result from evolution in the native range either (a) randomly (“drift”), (b) for a different purpose (“exaptation,” Gould & Vrba, 1982) or (c) in consequence of selection by this particular environmental factor in the home range (“adaptation”) All these processes together are addressed as “preadaptation” in the present study (Agosta & Klemens, 2008; Pearson, Ortega, Eren, & Hierro, 2018). (c) Plant responses to the applied UV treatments within both common gardens are reflected in the differences between the experimental sites Germany and New Zealand due to the existing differences in natural UV-B intensity between hemispheres To our knowledge, this is the first study addressing preadaptation of alien species to elevated UV-B levels via multi-species common garden experiments in the native and invaded range
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.
