Dissertation
Cities as theatres for rapid evolution: a dragon’s tale
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00520
Abstract
We have now entered a new epoch termed the Anthropocene, in which human driven environmental change is occurring at a rate and scale unprecedented in history. More specifically, our cities are growing to unparalleled sizes, with urbanisation now considered to be one of the most important threats to biodiversity due to the large scale alterations it imposes on our natural landscape, rapidly altering the biotic and abiotic environment over time and space. Due to these rapid changes, species inhabiting our city spaces are restricted to two responses: adapt or die. Whilst many species have been lost from our city landscapes, there are species that proliferate, and these species, termed 'urban adapters', offer a great system in which to study rapid evolution in action. Studies of urban ecology have already shown that urban adapters are able to adapt their phenotype in response to city life, showing behavioural, physiological, morphological and genetic responses. Yet, these studies have traditionally clumped all city populations within a single metropolis under the umbrella of 'urban environment', and assumed they respond in a similar way. However, isolated islands of green space within an urban matrix can differ in size, structure and complexity, much like isolated islands within an archipelago. By studying a single 'urban environment' treatment, we may be losing fine scale evolutionary signatures, where city parks within a single urban centre could drive selection and result in the diversification of a species.
Details
- Title
- Cities as theatres for rapid evolution: a dragon’s tale
- Authors
- Bethan Littleford-Colquhoun
- Contributors
- Celine H Frere (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00520
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451226802621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
Metrics
112 File views/ downloads
370 Record Views