A clue to invasion success: genetic diversity quickly rebounds after introduction bottlenecks

• DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02426-y
• Publication Date: 2020-12-06T10:02:43Z
• Authors: Peter Kaňuch; Åsa Berggren; Anna Cassel-Lundh...
• Keywords: Propagule; Propagule pressure; Colonisation; Founder effect; Outbreeding depression; Effective population size

Abstract One of the fundamental questions in invasion biology is to understand genetic mechanisms behind success or failure during establishment a species. However, major limitations understanding are usually lack spatiotemporal population data and information on populations’ colonisation history. In large-scale, detailed study bush-cricket Metrioptera roeselii 70 groups founders were introduced areas outside species’ distribution range. We examined how (1) number (2–32 individuals), (2) time since (7 15 years after introduction) (3) possible gene flow affected temporal changes populations. found higher introductions with larger propagule sizes but diversity indices only partly correlated size. As expected, populations more similar their founder size was. even if apparent at first, most differentiation small disappeared over time. Surprisingly, variability was regained level comparable large outbreeding generations severe demographic bottlenecks. suggest that these could be result several acting synergy. Here, rapid increase few potentially attributed limited from adjacent populations, behavioural adaptations and/or increased mutation rate. present unique insights into processes point towards traits important for invasiveness.