Moving past the challenges and misconceptions in urban adaptation research. Issue 11 (21st November 2022) - Winchell, Kristin M.
Abstract: Although the field of urban evolutionary ecology has recently expanded, much progress has been made in identifying adaptations that arise as a result of selective pressures within these unique environments. However, as studies within urban environments have rapidly increased, researchers have recognized that there are challenges and opportunities in characterizing urban adaptation. Some of these challenges are a consequence of increased direct and indirect human influence, which compounds long‐recognized issues with research on adaptive evolution more generally. In this perspective, we discuss several common research challenges to urban adaptation related to (1) methodological approaches, (2) trait–environment relationships and the natural history of organisms, (3) agents and targets of selection, and (4) habitat heterogeneity. Ignoring these challenges may lead to misconceptions and further impede our ability to draw conclusions regarding evolutionary and ecological processes in urban environments. Our goal is to first shed light on the conceptual challenges of conducting urban adaptation research to help avoid the propagation of these misconceptions. We further summarize potential strategies to move forward productively to construct a more comprehensive picture of urban adaptation, and discuss how urban environments also offer unique opportunities and applications for adaptation research. Abstract : In this perspective, we highlight four key challenges to conducting research on adaptive evolution in urban environments. Although these challenges are not unique to urban environments, the increased human dimension can exacerbate these challenges or introduce new applications to adaptation research. Failure to appreciate these challenges can introduce biases and misconceptions, constraining the potential of urban adaptation research to shed light on evolutionary processes generally.