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The inbreeding paradox in invasive species

Abstract:

One of the most relevant topics in the biology of invasion concerns an inbreeding paradox: how do exotic species that usually invade new territories in small numbers, thus suffering the effects of inbreeding, become successful invaders. To explain this paradox, it has been argued that high migration rates and repeated introductions of exotic species take place so as to overcome low genetic diversity and inbreeding. However, several single episodes of exotic species introduction have occurred that cannot be explained by this hypothesis. An attempt is made to solve this paradox by considering that invaders are not only able to modify the new environment, but also suffer modifications under the influence of the new environment. The possible role of epigenetic adaptations and adaptive mutations is postulated in order to explain the successful adaptation of invaders in their new environment.