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opencc-zeroAug 2020View details →

Datasets for Mixed support for gene flow as a constraint to local adaptation and contributor to the limited geographic range of an endemic salamander

Understanding mechanisms that underlie species range limits is at the core of evolutionary ecology. Asymmetric gene flow between larger core populations and smaller edge populations can swamp local adaptation at the range edge and inhibit further range expansion. However, empirical tests of this theory are exceedingly rare. We tested the hypothesis that asymmetric gene flow can constrain local adaptation and thereby species' range limits in an endemic US salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) by determining if gene flow is asymmetric between the core and peripheries of the species' geographic distribution and testing whether local adaptation is swamped at range edges with a reciprocal transplant experiment. Using putatively neutral loci from populations across three core-to-edge transects that covered nearly the entire species' geographic range, we found evidence for asymmetric, core-to-edge gene flow along western and northern transects, but not along a southern transect. Subsequently, the reciprocal transplant experiment suggested that northern and western edge populations are locally adapted despite experiencing asymmetric gene flow yet have lower fitness in their respective home regions than center populations do. Conversely, southern populations exhibit low deme quality, experiencing high mortality regardless of where they were reared, likely due to harsher edge habitat conditions. Consequently, we provide rare species-wide evidence that local adaptation can occur despite asymmetric gene flow, though migration from the core may prohibit range expansion by reducing fitness in edge populations. Further, our multi-transect study shows that multiple, non-mutually exclusive mechanisms can lead to range limits within a single species.

opencc-zeroOct 2021View details →

A resurrection study reveals limited evolution of phenology in response to recent climate change across the geographic range of the scarlet monkeyflower

Premise of the study: As global climate change alters drought regimes, rapid evolution of traits that facilitate adaptation to drought can rescue populations in decline. The evolution of phenological advancement can allow plants to escape drought, but evolutionary responses in phenology can vary across a species' range due to differences in drought intensity and standing genetic variation. Methods: Mimulus cardinalis, a perennial herb spanning a broad climatic gradient, recently experienced a period of record drought. Here, we used a resurrection study comparing flowering time and stem height at first flower of pre-drought ancestors and post-drought descendants from northern-edge, central, and southern-edge populations in a common environment to examine the evolution of drought escape traits across the latitudinal range. Key results: Contrary to the hypothesis of the evolution of advanced phenology in response to recent drought, flowering time did not advance between ancestors and descendants in any population, though storage condition and maternal effects could have impacted these results. Stem height was positively correlated with flowering time, such that plants that flowered earlier were shorter at first flower. This correlation could constrain the evolution of earlier flowering time if selection favors flowering early at a large size. Conclusions: These findings suggest that rapid evolution of phenology will not rescue these populations from recent climate change. Future work is needed to examine the potential for the evolution of alternative drought strategies and phenotypic plasticity to buffer M. cardinalis populations from changing climate.

opencc-zeroDec 2010View details →

Data from: How species longevity, intraspecific morphological variation, and geographic range size are related: a comparison using late Cambrian trilobites

Phenotypic variation is fundamental to evolutionary change. Variation not only evinces the connectivity of populations but it is also associated with the adaptability and evolvability of taxa. Despite the potential importance of morphological variation in structuring evolutionary patterns, little is known about how relative differences in intraspecific morphological variation and its geographic structure are linked to differences in species longevity. This study offers a novel combination of analyses that reveal the quantitative relationships among intraspecific variation, geographic range size and duration in the fossil record using late Cambrian trilobites. Results show that geographic range size and duration are positively correlated. Surprisingly, longer lived species tend to have less intraspecific variation. Phylogenetic effects were also explored and found not to determine the association between these variables. However, the distribution of geographic range sizes shows strong phylogenetic signal. In light of previous work, one possible explanation for these results is that species with shorter durations have comparatively higher rates of morphological evolution, reflected in higher phenotypic variation overall.

Data from: The relationship between geographic range extent, sea surface temperature and adult traits in coastal temperate fishes

Aim: We use publicly available data to assess the influence of ocean basin, various biological traits and sea surface temperature on biogeographic range extent for temperate, continental shelf fish species spanning 141 families. Location: Coastal waters of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Taxon: Teleost Fishes (Infraclass Teleostei). Methods: We assess the relationship between species range extent and depth range, maximum body length, schooling behaviour and use of multiple habitats for 1,251 species of northern, temperate, continental shelf fishes in different basins (Atlantic vs. Pacific) and margins (east vs. west) using linear mixed‐effect models with family and genus as nested random effects. We further assess the relationship between species range endpoint distribution and latitudinal temperature gradient using generalized linear models. Results: We found strong positive relationships between the number of species northern range endpoints and the steepness of the latitudinal sea surface temperature gradient on the western margins of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but no relationship on the eastern margins of these ocean basins. The strongest predictors of range extent in our global model are ocean basin/margin and depth range. Maximum body length, schooling behaviour and use of multiple habitats are also significant predictors of range extent in the global model. The factors influencing range extent differ by basin and margin. Main conclusions: There are broad differences in patterns of species range extent and distribution of species ranges among basins/margins. These differences appear to be driven in part by variation in latitudinal water temperature gradient between basin margins. Our data suggest that sharp latitudinal temperature gradients may pose a barrier to dispersal and range expansion along the western margins of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but not necessarily on the eastern margins. Our work also suggests that several post‐settlement traits may be associated with range extent either globally or in some temperate basins.

Data from: Over the hills, but how far away? estimates of mushroom geographic range extents

Aim: Geographic distributions of mushroom species remain poorly understood despite their importance for advancing our understanding of the habitat requirements, species interactions and ecosystem functions of this key group of organisms. Here, we estimate geographic range extents (maximum within-species geographic distance) of genetically defined operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Location: World-wide, with emphasis on the American Pacific Northwest Taxa: Amanita, Agaricus, Cortinarius, Galerina, Hebeloma, Hydnum, Hygrocybe, Hygrophorus, Inocybe, Lepiota, Pholiota, and Russula+Lactarius; other genera in Agaricomycotina Method: We used publicly available OTUs from ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (n=15,373) from 12 mushroom genera with worldwide distributions. For each of 2,324 ~species-level OTUs, we estimated the maximum within-species range extent based on sample locality records. In parallel, we estimated range extents for species in four tree genera. Contrasting estimates from well-studied trees allowed us to test for potential biases in our range estimates of less well inventoried mushrooms. Results: The median range extents across the 2,324 mushroom OTUs varied from ~1,200 km to 4,039 km, depending on assumptions. These extents were significantly lower than estimates from permuted or randomized data. Mushroom ranges were comparable to the median natural range extent of tree species (1,613 km). In contrast, the tree median species range increased to 16,581 km when anthropogenic range extensions were included. At least ten mushroom species were similarly broadly distributed, eight of which have been associated with human activity. Main conclusions: Overall, like tree species, mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi show evidence of biogeographic structure rather than global distributions. This reconstruction of geographic range extents drew upon investments into ITS barcoding of extensive herbarium collections. Large scale analyses such as ours can yield estimates of fungal geographic range extents that are a prerequisite to a deeper understanding of the diverse roles of fungi in ecosystems.

opencc-zeroDec 2017View details →

Data from: Spatial distribution, movements, and geographic range of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska

The two stocks of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska include an endangered western stock, recently recovering in parts of its range following decades of decline, and an eastern stock which was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 2013 following increasing numbers since the 1970s. Information on overlapping distributions of eastern and western sea lions is needed for management considerations. We analyzed >30,000 sightings collected from 2000-2014 of 2,385 sea lions that were branded as pups at 10 Alaskan rookeries to examine mesoscale (mostly <500km) spatial distribution, geographic range, and geographic population structure based on natal rookery, sex, and age during breeding and non-breeding seasons. Analyses of summary movement measures (e.g., natal rookery, sex, and age-class differences in spatial distribution and geographic range) indicate wide variation in rookery-specific movement patterns. Correlations between movement measures and population dynamics suggested movement patterns could be a function of density dependence. Animals from larger rookeries, and rookeries with slower population growth and lower survival, had wider dispersion than animals from smaller rookeries, or rookeries with high growth and survival. Sea lions from the largest rookery, Forrester Island, where survival and population trends are lowest, were the most widely distributed. Analysis of geographic population structure indicated that animals born in the eastern Aleutian Islands had the most distinct movements and had little overlap with other western sea lions. Northern Southeast Alaska, within the eastern stock, is the area of greatest overlap between stocks, and is important to western animals, especially those born in Prince William Sound. Detailed knowledge of distribution and movements of western sea lions is useful for defining recovery and population trend analysis regions that better reflect dispersion and population structure and provides valuable information to managers as critical habitat is re-evaluated and the location of the stock boundary reconsidered.

opencc-zeroDec 2013View details →

Data from: Nonlinear thermal gradients shape broad-scale patterns in geographic range size and can reverse Rapoport's rule

Aim: Species living at latitudes that have greater annual temperature variations are expected to achieve broader geographic ranges than species living at latitudes that have smaller annual temperature variations, generating a positive relationship between range size and latitude (Rapoport's rule). However, this prediction fails to take into account the greater latitudinal extent of tropical temperatures relative to those at higher latitudes. Here we model the contributions of the broader latitudinal extent of equal-temperature habitats at low latitudes and the greater annual temperature variation at high latitudes to the range size–latitude relationship, and test whether the latitudinal variation in geographic range size in marine bivalves can be explained by models that account for both annual temperature variation and the steepness of latitudinal thermal gradients. Location: Western Pacific, eastern Pacific and western Atlantic. Methods: We use a null model where geographic ranges are placed on the ocean surface independently of thermal gradients, and a range-expansion model where the minimum and maximum temperatures encompassed by the geographic range of a species (macroecological thermal ranges) are positively related to annual temperature minima and maxima at the location where the species originated. We compare results with a database containing 40,820 occurrences of 4760 marine bivalve species. Result: Models incorporating temperature-limited range expansion along realistic thermal gradients predict an inverse relationship between range size and latitude, in opposition to Rapoport's rule. The distribution patterns of marine bivalves match this prediction. Main conclusions: The poleward trend in latitudinal range size is determined by the nonlinearity of the latitudinal gradient of temperature minima and maxima and less by the latitudinal gradient of the local seasonal range in temperatures. Although tropical species do have narrower macroecological thermal ranges than high-latitude species, the nearly constant temperatures over wide areas of the tropics allow tropical species to achieve broad latitudinal ranges.

opencc-zeroDec 2011View details →

Data from: Interactions between soil habitat and geographic range location affect plant fitness

Populations are often found on different habitats at different geographic locations. This habitat shift may be due to biased dispersal, physiological tolerances or biotic interactions. To explore how fitness of the native plant Chamaecrista fasciculata depends on habitat within, at and beyond its range edge, we planted seeds from five populations in two soil substrates at these geographic locations. We found that with reduced competition, lifetime fitness was always greater or equivalent in one habitat type, loam soils, though early-season survival was greater on sand soils. At the range edge, natural populations are typically found on sand soil habitats, which are also less competitive environments. Early-season survival and fitness differed among source populations, and when transplanted beyond the range edge, range edge populations had greater fitness than interior populations. Our results indicate that even when the optimal soil substrate for a species does not change with geographic range location, the realized niche of a species may be restricted to sub-optimal habitats at the range edge because of the combined effects of differences in abiotic and biotic effects (e.g. competitors) between substrates.

opencc-zeroDec 2011View details →

Data from: SNP-array reveals genome wide patterns of geographical and potential adaptive divergence across the natural range of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is one of the most extensively studied fish species in the world due to its significance in aquaculture, fisheries and ongoing conservation efforts to protect declining populations. Yet, limited genomic resources have hampered our understanding of genetic architecture in the species and the genetic basis of adaptation to the wide range of natural and artificial environments it occupies. In this paper, we describe the development of a medium density Atlantic salmon SNP-array based on Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) and genomic sequencing. The array was used in the most extensive assessment of population genetic structure performed to date in this species. A total of 6176 informative SNPs were successfully genotyped in 38 anadromous and freshwater wild populations distributed across the species natural range. Principal component analysis clearly differentiated European and North American populations, and within Europe, three major regional genetic groups were identified for the first time in a single analysis. We assessed the potential for the array to disentangle neutral and putative adaptive divergence of SNP allele frequencies across populations and among regional groups. In Europe, secondary contact zones were identified between major clusters where endogenous and exogenous barriers could be associated, rendering the interpretation of environmental influence on potentially adaptive divergence equivocal. A small number of markers highly divergent in allele frequencies (outliers) were observed between (multiple) freshwater and anadromous populations, between northern and southern latitudes, and when comparing Baltic populations to all others. We also discuss the potential future applications of the SNP-array for conservation, management and aquaculture.

Data from: Molecular operational taxonomic units reveal restricted geographic ranges and regional endemism in the Indo‐Pacific octocoral family Xeniidae

Aim: To quantify taxon diversity, biogeographic distributions and patterns of community assembly in xeniid octocorals using molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Location Red Sea, Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Taxon Xeniidae, a family of reef-dwelling octocorals (Anthozoa, Octocorallia). Methods Xeniids collected at 13 locations were sequenced at three barcode loci, and assigned to molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) defined by minimum genetic distance thresholds. Taxon richness (no. of MOTUs) and endemicity (percent of MOTUs found at a single location) were quantified. Patterns of β-diversity (species turnover) and phylogenetic β-diversity (lineage turnover) among geographical regions were visualized using hierarchical clustering, NMDS plots, and distance-decay relationships. Community assembly was investigated by comparing the mean pairwise distance (MPD) and mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD) separating species in each assemblage to values generated for null communities. Results A genetic distance threshold of 0.3% discriminated 67 MOTUs, with taxon richness ranging from 2-18 MOTUs per site. Out of the 67 MOTUs, 48 (72%) were found at only a single location, and only two spanned both the western Indian and Pacific Oceans. Species turnover among sites was high, but phylogenetic β-diversity was lower than β-diversity and differed significantly from null models of community assembly at only two sites. β-diversity and phylogenetic β-diversity both increased significantly with geographic distance, and sites clustered into three distinct biogeographic regions (Red Sea and western Indian Ocean; Western Australia; western Pacific and Great Barrier Reef, Australia). All five major clades of xeniids were represented in each region. Main Conclusions A genetic approach to biodiversity estimation suggests that most xeniid taxa are regional endemics whose geographic distribution is likely governed by dispersal limitation. This conclusion contrasts with published records of certain morphospecies occurrences, which imply that they have broad geographic ranges. So far, the distribution of xeniid biodiversity mirrors that of scleractinian corals, with species richness highest in the Coral Triangle, but endemicity peaking in peripheral areas.

Data from: Biological traits, phylogeny and human footprint signatures on the geographic range size of passerines (Order Passeriformes) worldwide

Aim Multiple hypotheses exist to explain the astonishing geographic range size variation across species, but these have rarely been tested under a unifying framework that simultaneously considers direct and indirect effects of ecological niche processes and evolutionary dynamics. Here, we jointly evaluate ecological and evolutionary hypotheses that may account for global interspecific patterns of range size in the most species-rich avian order: Passeriformes (perching birds). Location Global Time period CurrentMajor taxa studied Order Passeriformes Methods We used phylogenetic path analysis to test for the relationship between eight variables and range size. Our list of predictors included a set of niche-related variables (both Grinellian and Eltonian), species-specific morphological and life-history traits (body size, dispersal ability, fertility), extrinsic (human footprint) and evolutionary factors (time since divergence from the closest extant relative). Results We found that Grinellian (climatic) and Eltonian (trophic) niche breadth are critical to account for the observed patterns, followed by reproductive effort (as measured by clutch size). We also found a negative relationship between native range size and human footprint. The significant and positive relationship between niche breadth, either Grinnellian or Eltonian, and range size was consistent across all species, irrespective of their migratory/resident status or taxonomic grouping (Passeri vs. Tyranni). Main conclusions Globally, the range sizes of passerine species are associated with the Grinellian niche so that species with broader environmental tolerances exhibit larger geographic ranges. These findings give further empirical support to the positive niche breadth-range size relationship as a general pattern in ecology.

opencc-zeroDec 2010View details →

Data from: Range size heritability in Carnivora is driven by geographic constraints

Range size heritability refers to an intriguing pattern where closely related species occupy geographic ranges of similar extent. Its existence may indicate selection on traits only emergent at the species level, with interesting consequences for evolutionary processes. We explore whether range size heritability may be attributable to the fact that range size is largely driven by the size of geographic domains (i.e. continents, biomes, areas given by species' climatic tolerance) which tend to be similar in phylogenetically related species. Using a well resolved phylogeny of carnivorans, we show that range sizes are indeed constrained by geographic domains and that the phylogenetic signal in range sizes diminishes if the domain sizes are accounted for. Moreover, detailed delimitation of species' geographic domain leads to a weaker signal in range size heritability, indicating the importance of definition of the null model against which the pattern is tested. Our findings do not reject the hypothesis of range size heritability, but rather unravel its underlying mechanisms. Additional analyses imply that evolutionary conservatism in niche breadth delimits the species' geographic domain, which in turn shapes the species' range size. Range size heritability patterns thus emerge as a consequence of this interplay between evolutionary and geographic constraints.

Data from: Historical biogeography using species geographical ranges

Spatial variation in biodiversity is the result of complex interactions between evolutionary history and ecological factors. Methods in historical biogeography combine phylogenetic information with current species locations to infer the evolutionary history of a clade through space and time. A major limitation of most methods for historical biogeographic inference is the requirement of single locations for terminal lineages, reducing contemporary species geographical ranges to a point in two-dimensional space. In reality, geographic ranges usually show complex geographic patterns, irregular shapes, or discontinuities. In this article, we describe a method for phylogeographic analysis using polygonal species geographic ranges of arbitrary complexity. By integrating the geographic diversification process across species ranges, we provide a method to infer the geographic location of ancestors in a Bayesian framework. By modeling migration conditioned on a phylogenetic tree, this approach permits reconstructing the geographic location of ancestors through time. We apply this new method to the diversification of two neotropical bird genera, Trumpeters (Psophia) and Cinclodes ovenbirds. We demonstrate the usefulness of our method (called rase) in phylogeographic reconstruction of species ancestral locations and contrast our results with previous methods that compel researchers to reduce the distribution of species to one point in space. We discuss model extensions to enable a more general, spatially explicit framework for historical biogeographic analysis.

opencc-zeroDec 2015View details →

Data from: Geographical barriers and dispersal propensity interact to limit range expansions of Himalayan birds

Range expansions are limited by two key factors. These are (1) dispersal, which includes a species' intrinsic mobility, geographical barriers, and their interaction; and (2) the ability of a species to persist beyond its current range. I evaluate the role of these in affecting bird species distributions across the Himalayas, under a hypothesis that many species have recently expanded their range out of an eastern Pleistocene refuge. I measured wing shape as a proxy for dispersal ability and topographic complexity across the Himalayas as a proxy for dispersal barriers. As a factor affecting the potential for persistence in novel locations, I compared similarity of a species' climatic envelope in the east, the hypothesized historical refuge, and the west, the location of recent colonization. Climatic similarity, wing shape, and the interaction of topographic complexity with wing shape all contribute significantly to the range extent of a given species. The result highlights the important interaction between morphological and landscape factors in affecting successful range expansions. The two dispersal-related parameters together explain two times the variance explained by climate, but I present additional evidence that other factors besides climate—notably biotic interactions—affect the ability of a species to persist beyond its range.

Data from: Shared genetic diversity across the global invasive range of the Monk parakeet suggests a common restricted geographic origin and the possibility of convergent selection

While genetic diversity is hypothesized to be an important factor explaining invasion success, there is no consensus yet on how variation in source populations or demographic processes affects invasiveness. We used mitochondrial DNA haplotypic and microsatellite genotypic data to investigate levels of genetic variation and reconstruct the history of replicate invasions on three continents in a globally invasive bird, the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). We evaluated whether genetic diversity at invasive sites could be explained by (i) the native source populations from which they were derived and (ii) demographic bottlenecks during introduction. Genetic data indicated a localized source area for most sampled invasive populations, with limited evidence for admixing of native source populations. This pattern largely coincides with historical data on pet trade exports. However, the invasive populations are genetically more similar than predicted from the export data alone. The extent of bottleneck effects varied among invasive populations. The observed low genetic diversity, evidence of demographic contraction and restricted source area do not support the hypothesis that invasion is favoured by the mixing and recombining of genetic variation from multiple source populations. Instead, they suggest that reduced genetic variation through random processes may not inhibit successful establishment and invasion in this species. However, convergent selection across invasive sites could also explain the observed patterns of reduction and similarity in genetic variation and/or the restricted source area. In general, the alternative explanation of intraspecific variation in invasive potential among genotypes or geographic areas is neglected, but warrants more attention as it could inform comparative studies and management of biological invaders.

Data from: Geographic range size is predicted by plant mating system

Species' geographic ranges vary enormously, and even closest relatives may differ in range size by several orders of magnitude. With data from hundreds of species spanning 20 genera in 15 families, we show that plant species that autonomously reproduce via self-pollination consistently have larger geographic ranges than their close relatives that generally require two parents for reproduction. Further analyses strongly implicate autonomous self-fertilisation in causing this relationship, as it is not driven by traits such as polyploidy or annual life history whose evolution is sometimes correlated with selfing. Furthermore, we find that selfers occur at higher maximum latitudes and that disparity in range size between selfers and outcrossers increases with time since their evolutionary divergence. Together, these results show that autonomous reproduction—a critical biological trait that eliminates mate limitation and thus potentially increases the probability of establishment—increases range size.

opencc-zeroDec 2012View details →

Data from: Long-distance dispersal maximizes evolutionary potential during rapid geographic range expansion

Conventional wisdom predicts that sequential founder events will cause genetic diversity to erode in species with expanding geographic ranges, limiting evolutionary potential at the range margin. Here, we show that invasive European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in South Africa preserve genetic diversity during range expansion, possibly as a result of frequent long-distance dispersal events. We further show that unfavourable environmental conditions trigger enhanced dispersal, as indicated by signatures of selection detected across the expanding range. This brings genetic variation to the expansion front, counterbalancing the cumulative effects of sequential founding events and optimizing standing genetic diversity and thus evolutionary potential at range margins during spread. Therefore, dispersal strategies should be highlighted as key determinants of the ecological and evolutionary performances of species in novel environments and in response to global environmental change.

Data from: Incomplete datasets obscure associations between traits affecting dispersal ability and geographic range size of reef fishes in the Tropical Eastern Pacific

Dispersal is thought to be an important process determining range size, especially for species in highly spatially structured habitats, such as tropical reef fishes. Despite intensive research efforts, there is conflicting evidence about the role of dispersal on determining range size. We hypothesize that traits related to dispersal drive range sizes, but that complete and comprehensive datasets are essential for detecting relationships between species' dispersal ability and range size. We investigate the roles of six traits affecting several stages of dispersal (adult mobility, spawning mode, pelagic larval duration (PLD), body size, aggregation behaviour and circadian activity), in explaining range size variation of reef fishes in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP). All traits, except for PLD (148 species), had data for all 497 species in the region. Using a series of models, we investigated which traits were associated with large range sizes, when analysing all TEP species or only species with PLD data. Furthermore, using null models, we analysed whether the PLD-subset is representative of the regional species pool. Several traits affecting dispersal ability were strongly associated with range size, although these relationships could not be detected when using the PLD-data subset. Pelagic spawners (allowing for passive egg dispersal) had on average 56% larger range sizes than non-pelagic spawners. Species with medium or high adult mobility had on average a 25% or 33% larger range, respectively, than species with low mobility. Null models showed that the PLD-subset was non-representative of the regional species pool, explaining why model outcomes using the PLD-subset differed from the ones based on the complete dataset. Our results show that in the TEP, traits affecting dispersal ability are important in explaining range size variation. Using a regionally complete dataset was crucial for detecting the theoretically expected, but so far empirically unresolved, relationship between dispersal and range size.

Data from: Energy expenditure and body size are targets of natural selection across a wide geographic range, in a terrestrial invertebrate

One of the central questions in evolutionary ecology is how different functional capacities impact fitness, and how it varies across populations. For instance, do phenotypic attributes influence fitness similarly across geographic gradients? Which traits (physiological, morphological, life history) are most likely to be targets of natural selection? Do particular combinations of traits maximize fitness? In a semi-natural experiment, we analyzed introduced populations of an invasive species, the garden snail (Cornu aspersum) in Chile, which show low levels of genetic differentiation in spite of the distance. Specifically, we addressed whether the magnitude, sign and form of selection in snail populations could explain the differentiation (or its absence) among populations. A common garden/reciprocal transplant experiment was performed in three populations (La Serena, Constitución and Valdivia) that span a 1300 km latitudinal gradient and differ markedly in climate (semiarid North to humid South). We then released ca. 450 individuals per population (two generations after field-captured snails) in replicated enclosures at the range extremes (La Serena and Valdivia). Morphological (size and shell darkness), physiological (standard metabolic rate and digestive efficiency) and life history (growth rate) traits were measured in all snails before the release. Survival was recorded monthly during one year. However, we only detected significant selection on body size (MB), residual standard metabolic rate (SMRR) and growth rate. Survival was significantly higher in snails from La Serena than in snails from Constitución and Valdivia, when raised at La Serena. However, at Valdivia survival was not different among source populations. Interestingly, we found negative correlational selection in MB and SMRR at La Serena whereas at Valdivia, we only found directional selection on growth rate and MB, and stabilizing selection on SMRR. These results suggest that selection on physiological traits related with energy allocation is pervasive, irrespective of climate and distance.