A framework to assess evolutionary responses to anthropogenic light and sound

Swaddle, J. P. et al. (2015) A framework to assess evolutionary responses to anthropogenic light and sound. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 30(9), pp. 550-560. (doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2015.06.009) (PMID:26169593)

Abstract

Human activities have caused a near-ubiquitous and evolutionarily-unprecedented increase in environmental sound levels and artificial night lighting. These stimuli reorganize communities by interfering with species-specific perception of time-cues, habitat features, and auditory and visual signals. Rapid evolutionary changes could occur in response to light and noise, given their magnitude, geographical extent, and degree to which they represent unprecedented environmental conditions. We present a framework for investigating anthropogenic light and noise as agents of selection, and as drivers of other evolutionary processes, to influence a range of behavioral and physiological traits such as phenological characters and sensory and signaling systems. In this context, opportunities abound for understanding contemporary and rapid evolution in response to human-caused environmental change.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dominoni, Dr Davide
• Authors: Swaddle, J. P., Francis, C. D., Barber, J. R., Cooper, C. B., Kyba, C. C.M., Dominoni, D. M., Shannon, G., Aschehoug, E., Goodwin, S. E., Kawahara, A. Y., Luther, D., Spoelstra, K., Voss, M., and Longcore, T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Trends in Ecology and Evolution
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0169-5347
• ISSN (Online): 1872-8383
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Trends in Ecology and Evolution 30(9):550-560
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher