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NCEAS
NCEAS Project 12145
Distribution dynamics in changing environments: Geographic trait variation and the potential for future adaptation
- Buckley, Lauren
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Abstract
Mechanistic models that link individual energetics and population dynamics offer improved predictions of species? distribution dynamics in changing environments. Including population dynamics enables addressing the distribution implications of physiological adaptation (both plastic and evolutionary), species interactions, and dispersal limitations. I propose to first generalize an energetic optimization model across foraging strategies for ectothermic vertebrates. I will then examine current geographic trait variation for North American lizards to understand the potential for adaptation to moderate climate induced range shifts. This analysis will enable using performance optimization models and genetic models of thermal evolution to predict potential thermal adaptation following climate change. The potential for species to respond to changing climates through adaptation will be an important and little understood determinant of the biodiversity implications of environmental change.
