4.1 Approaches to measuring post-introduction adaptation
Perhaps the most exciting application of genomics in invasion biology is in the identification of loci underlying post-introduction adaptation. Although there are relatively few examples to date, it seems likely that this will be the major contribution of genomic approaches over the coming decade. In terms of the invasion sequence, adaptive change in the invaded range can either end the lag phase by facilitating spread or accelerate spread in an already-invasive population (Prentis et al., 2008) (Figure 2). Although in situ adaptation is thought to play an important role in many systems, it has often been difficult to quantify the contribution of an adaptive trait to the rate of spread (Bock et al., 2015). Addressing these questions will not only contribute to a general understanding of biological invasion but will also provide information for integrated management strategies.