TITLE:
Evolutionary Genetics of Invasive Mammal Species Introduced in Argentina
AUTHORS:
Marta S. Lizarralde, Mariana Fasanella, Sebastián Poljak, Magali Gabrielli, Julieta Sanchez
KEYWORDS:
Evolutionary, Genetics, Invasive, Mammals, Argentina
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Science,
Vol.10 No.7,
July
6,
2018
ABSTRACT: Evolutionary genetics of
invasive species has been unexplored in Argentina. Invasive alien species (IAS)
have a wide geographical distribution, characteristic life cycles and great
ability to adapt, establish and spread in a new environment. Recent advances in
novel molecular technologies, the use of higher resolution genetic markers, and
the research development on genetic variation of invasive species consolidated
the importance of genetic aspects in the invasion process. Undoubtedly, the
growing concern for the disturbances generated by invasive species on
biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems was also determinant for the
inclusion of the Invasion Biology within the broad field of Evolutionary
Biology including relevant examples that address the evolutionary genetic
aspects of biological invasions. Recent studies suggest that the invasion
success of many species depends on their ability to respond to natural
selection. Although the number of invasive species registered in Argentina far
exceeds 600, little research has been done on invasive mammal species and only
five of them were hitherto genetically analyzed. Presuming that invasion
genetics is incorporated into the agenda of control and management
organizations, it would allow integrating the ecological, genetic, and
evolutionary biology aspects for knowledge of invasive species widely
distributed in Argentina. The objective of this article is to highlight the
importance of evaluating the genetic structure of invasive species for their
management and to inform about the invasive species of mammals that were
introduced in Argentina and have been or are being analyzed genetically.