Data from: Effects of founding genetic variation on adaptation to a novel resource

Population genetic theory predicts that adaptation in novel environments
is enhanced by genetic variation for fitness. However, theory also
predicts that under strong selection, demographic stochasticity can drive
populations to extinction before they can adapt. We exposed wheat-adapted
populations of the flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) to a novel
suboptimal corn resource, to test the effects of founding genetic
variation on population decline and subsequent extinction or adaptation.
As previously reported, genetically diverse populations were less likely
to go extinct. Here, we show that among surviving populations, genetically
diverse groups recovered faster after initial population decline. Within
two years, surviving populations significantly increased their fitness on
corn via increased fecundity, increased egg survival, faster larval
development, and higher rate of egg cannibalism. However, founding genetic
variation only enhanced the increase in fecundity, despite existing
genetic variation – and apparent lack of tradeoffs – for egg survival and
larval development time. Thus, during adaptation to novel habitats the
positive impact of genetic variation may be restricted to only a few
traits, although change in many life-history traits may be necessary to
avoid extinction. Despite severe initial maladaptation and low population
size, genetic diversity can thus overcome predicted high extinction risk
in new habitats.