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.