Evolutionary theory as a tool for predicting extinction risk

Trends Ecol Evol. 2015 Feb;30(2):61-5. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2014.12.001. Epub 2015 Jan 9.

Abstract

Timely and proactive wildlife conservation requires strategies for determining which species are most at the greatest threat of extinction. Here, we suggest that evolutionary theory, particularly the concept of specialization, can be a useful tool to inform such assessments and may greatly aid in our ability to predict the vulnerabilities of species to anthropogenic impacts.

Keywords: conservation; ecology; extinction; physiology; plasticity; specialization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Biological
  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Extinction, Biological*
  • Population Dynamics
  • Vertebrates