Ecoevolutionary Dynamics of Carbon Cycling in the Anthropocene. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Monroe, J. Grey; Markman, David W.; Beck, Whitney S.; Felton, Andrew J.; Vahsen, Megan L.; Pressler, Yamina
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 33:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 213
• Page End: 225
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2017.12.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : Climate change is altering natural selection globally, which could shift the evolutionary trajectories of traits central to the carbon (C) cycle. Here, we examine the components necessary for the evolution of C cycling traits to substantially drive changes in global C cycling and integrate these components into a framework of ecoevolutionary dynamics. Recent evidence points to the evolution of C cycling traits during the Anthropocene and the potential to significantly affect atmospheric CO2 . We identify directions for further collaboration between evolutionary, ecosystem, and climate scientists to study these ecoevolutionary feedback dynamics and determine whether this evolution will ultimately accelerate or decelerate the current trend in rising atmospheric CO2 . Highlights: Global climate change is altering natural selection and shifting the evolutionary trajectories of organism traits. C cycling and other ecosystem functions are mediated by organism traits, which are subject to evolutionary processes; however, evolution is not yet explicitly included in current global C cycling models. Rapid evolution of C cycling traits has been recently observed in several organisms, indicating that evolutionary responses to climate change could alter the C cycle and ultimately impact atmospheric CO2 . The evolution of C cycling traits could generate particularly important ecoevolutionary feedbacks, the understanding of which will require greater integration of evolutionary, ecosystem, and climate science.