(1/4) Could evolution INCREASE the negative impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Computer models suggest YES. Our new experiments support the key process driving this surprising pattern: eco-evolutionary priority effects. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.3133

(2/4) An eco-evolutionary priority effect occurs when (1) a species evolves adaptations to changing conditions (e.g., warmer temperatures) in a habitat patch, and (2) the adaptation provides a competitive advantage that limits other species from colonizing the patch.

(3/4) We used experimental evolution with Archaea to test the eco-evolutionary priority effect hypothesis. Species 1 evolved adaptations to warmer temperatures in just 4.5 months. The adaptation caused a 63% reduction in the abundance of an invading species. Hypothesis supported!

(4/4) Many species are evolving adaptations to changing climates. Accounting for evolution, as well as dispersal and species interactions, is important to understand how climate change is affecting biodiversity: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ecog.04404