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Adaptive potential and signatures of natural selection in the globally introduced ringneck parakeet Psittacula krameri

Sells, Jamie Robert (2017) Adaptive potential and signatures of natural selection in the globally introduced ringneck parakeet Psittacula krameri. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis, University of Kent,. (doi:10.22024/UniKent/01.02.64385) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:64385)

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https://doi.org/10.22024/UniKent/01.02.64385

Abstract

Anthropogenic impact, through animal trade, climate change, habitat fragmentation and globalisation, is a principal cause of global species redistributions and community rearrangements. Species introduced accidently or intentionally to non-native ranges may adapt to survive and proliferate, and native species threatened by environmental change may need to adapt in situ, or track more tolerable conditions through extra-range dispersal. Under both scenarios, we must facilitate greater understanding of the mechanisms that underlie adaptation within a complexity of ecosystem dynamics, which in turn will inform management strategies for both introduced species, and preserving biodiversity. Here, I explore mechanisms that support adaptive potential to rapid environmental change across taxa, and model them to the introduced ringneck parakeet Psittacula krameri. This species has recently successfully traversed extensive climate gradients in establishing introduced global populations. Some of this success may be attributable to morphological, behavioural, physiological or phenological adaptations, and therefore the species represents an opportunity for exploring rapid adaptation. I initially review the navigation of dispersal and invasive pathways, and the importance of specific character traits toward adaptive potential, before identifying genetic and non-genetic adaptive mechanisms (pertinent across taxa) that may help explain observed establishment and population growth of the ringneck parakeet. Mutations as the basis for an evolutionary adaptive response are examined, alongside the significance that the origin and extent of such polymorphisms may have toward a rapid adaptive response. I consider the role of selective sweeps and polygenic models as genetic processes for an adaptive response, alongside non-genetic mechanisms such as phenotypic plasticity and epigenetics that may better support rapid adaptation. Finally, I assess avian literature to interpret genetic and plastic responses as explanations for adaptive potential

Item Type: Thesis (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD))
Thesis advisor: Groombridge, Jim
Thesis advisor: Struebig, Matthew
DOI/Identification number: 10.22024/UniKent/01.02.64385
Additional information: The author of this thesis has requested that it be held under closed access. We are sorry but we will not be able to give you access or pass on any requests for access. 13/08/2021
Uncontrolled keywords: rapid adaptation; selective sweep; polygenic adaptation; phenotypic plasticity; Psittacula krameri; anthropogenic environmental change
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Funders: Organisations -1 not found.
SWORD Depositor: System Moodle
Depositing User: System Moodle
Date Deposited: 14 Nov 2017 11:10 UTC
Last Modified: 29 Apr 2022 14:37 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/64385 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Sells, Jamie Robert.

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