A Framework to Assess Evolutionary Responses to Anthropogenic Light and Sound

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2015

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2015.06.009

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.

Comments

For a complete list of authors, please see article.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS