Evolutionary Ecology

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As the Earth's climate rapidly changes, species are shifting their geographic ranges towards the poles and to higher elevations. However, few species are doing so at a rate that matches rapid climate change, and many species are not shifting at all. Scientists are currently unable to predict with high confidence which species will prove capable of migration, keeping pace with climate change, nor do we know whether species that are unable to move quickly enough will be able to persist by evolving new adaptations. Accurate prediction of geographic range shifts and contemporary climatic adaptation is critical for assessing vulnerabilities of individual species, such as those that are rare, threatened, or of economic importance. It is also important for forecasting the potential spread of pests and pathogens, identifying the optimal placement of protected areas, and changes in the composition of communities and the ecosystem services they provide.Dr. Amy L. Angert is working to understand the interplay of ecology and evolution in shaping geographic ranges and responses to climate change and to extend this scientific understanding to decision-making processes about biodiversity conservation. She and her research team are investigating how interactions between species -- such as competition, predation, and herbivory -- modify responses to climatic stress at different range edges, leading to range shifts that are not well predicted by rates of climate change alone. They are also investigating how the capacity for genetic adaptation to climatic stress varies among populations across species ranges, and whether species interactions hinder or amplify capacities for rapid climatic adaptation.Dr. Angert's work will lead to refined tools for modelling and forecasting species distributions in a changing climate, providing key information for understanding the future of many animal and plant species, including many of Canada's at-risk species, which reach their northern range limits in southern Canada. Ultimately, her research will help guide management and policy decisions concerning climate change adaptation and biodiversity preservation, such as whether human-assisted migration is necessary to conserve some species.