Data & code from: Simulated invasion suggests rapid evolution of biotic resistance to a range-shifting competitor

Abstract

Variable climate-change-driven range shifts will likely create novel species interactions. Most research has focused on how these interactions may impact expansion rates and adaptation of species on the move (range-shifting invaders). However, slower-moving (resident) species could also adapt to novel competitors. Here we construct populations of eight duckweed genotypes (Lemna minor = resident) from various localities near and beyond the range edge of a potential range-shifting competitor, S. polyrhiza (invader), and invade them with one genotype of S. polyrhiza. Following a 14-week invasion, we observed significant rapid evolution and phenotypic plasticity in the resident. Selection favoured genotypes with faster growth and smaller root-to-frond-area ratios. These changes led to slight reductions in invasibility, indicating weakly increased biotic resistance. This suggests that range-shifting species, even at low densities, may drive evolution, plasticity, and evolution of biotic resistance in resident competitors, which could feed back to influence the range expansion of the invader.

Methods

This dataset repository contains the analysis scripts/ R markdown files and collected data from "Simulated invasion suggests rapid evolution of biotic resistance to a range-shifting competitor" by Emma Menchions and Amy Angert. The collected data includes frond counts for L. minor and S. polyrhiza in the experimental populations, images (experimental populations and sampled rafts), as well as measurements on frond area, root length, and the number of fronds per raft on duckweed rafts sampled from experimental and control populations. 

Usage notes

See the README files in the repository.