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Pushed to the edge: Spatial sorting can slow down invasions
  • Allison Shaw,
  • Frithjof Lutscher,
  • Lea Popovic
Allison Shaw
University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Frithjof Lutscher
University of Ottawa
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Lea Popovic
Concordia University
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Abstract

Our ability to understand population spread dynamics is complicated by rapid evolution, which renders simple ecological models insufficient. If dispersal ability evolves, more highly-dispersive individuals may arrive at the population edge than less-dispersive individuals (spatial sorting), accelerating spread. If individuals at the low-density population edge benefit (escape competition), high dispersers have a selective advantage (spatial selection). These two processes are often described as forming a positive feedback loop; they reinforce each other, leading to faster spread. Although spatial sorting is close to universal, this form of spatial selection is not: low densities can be detrimental for organisms with Allee effects. Here, we present two conceptual models to explore the feedback loops that form between spatial sorting and spatial selection. We show that the presence of an Allee effect can reverse the positive feedback loop between spatial sorting and spatial selection, creating a negative feedback loop that slows population spread.

28 Oct 2022Submitted to Ecology Letters
31 Oct 2022Submission Checks Completed
31 Oct 2022Assigned to Editor
31 Oct 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Nov 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Dec 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
24 Jan 20231st Revision Received
24 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
24 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
24 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
25 Jan 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
08 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
15 Mar 20232nd Revision Received
15 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
15 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
15 Mar 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Accept