Document Type

Article

Publication Title

The American Naturalist

Publisher

University of Chicago Press

Publication Date

7-2009

First Page

34

Last Page

45

Issue Number

1

Volume Number

174

Abstract/ Summary

Numerous studies of wild populations have shown that phenotypic traits can change adaptively on short timescales, but very few studies have considered coincident changes in major fitness components. We here examine adaptive changes in life-history traits and survival rates for wild guppies introduced into new environments. Female life-history traits in the derived (Damier River) populations diverged from the ancestral (Yarra River) population, as a result of adaptation to predation regime (high vs. low) and other aspects of the local river. Moreover, some components of the derived Damier populations, particularly juveniles, now show higher survival in the Damier than do contemporary representatives from the ancestral Yarra population. These results suggest that adaptive change can improve survival rates after fewer than 10 years (fewer than 30 guppy generations) in a new environment.

Publisher Statement

©2009 The University of Chicago

DOI

10.1086/599300

Version

publisher's version of the published document

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