Colonizing polar environments: thermal niche evolution in Collembola

Temperature is a primary driver in defining the ecophysiological activity and performance of ectotherms. Thus, thermal tolerance limits have a profound effect in determining geographic ranges. In regions with extreme cold temperatures, lower thermal limits of species are a key physiological trait for survival. Moreover, thermal niche breadth also plays an important role in allowing organisms to withstand climatic variability and confers species with broader potential to establish in new regions. Here we study the evolution of thermal tolerance limits among Collembola (Arthropoda) and explore how they are affected by the colonization of polar environments. In addition, we test the hypothesis that globally invasive species are more eurythermal than non-invasive ones. Critical thermal limits (CTmin and CTmax), classic measurements of thermal tolerance, were compiled from the literature and complemented with experimental assays for springtail species. Genetic data of the mitochondrial gene ...

温度是决定变温动物（ectotherm）生态生理活动与表现的核心驱动因素。因此，热耐受极限对物种地理分布范围的划定具有深远影响。在极端低温区域，物种的低温热耐受极限是其存活的关键生理性状。此外，热生态位宽度在帮助生物体应对气候波动方面同样发挥重要作用，并能赋予物种更强的在新区域定殖的潜力。本研究聚焦于弹尾纲（Collembola，节肢动物门Arthropoda）的热耐受极限演化历程，并探讨极地环境定殖对其产生的影响。此外，本研究还验证了"全球入侵物种的广温性强于非入侵物种"这一假说。作为热耐受能力的经典测定指标，临界热极限（CTmin与CTmax）数据从已发表文献中搜集整理，并补充了针对弹尾虫物种的实验测定结果。线粒体基因的遗传数据……