The ecophysiology and behaviour of invasive species and climate change

The field of ecophysiology and behaviour of invasive species in the context of climate change is gaining increasing attention due to the significant shifts in geographical distributions of organisms. Climate change is a driving force behind these shifts, and invasive species play a crucial role in this dynamic. Understanding and predicting the range shifts of invasive species amidst environmental warming is essential for ecology and conservation efforts. Recent studies have highlighted that invasive species often exhibit greater resilience to environmental stressors, potentially giving them an edge over native species in a rapidly changing world. This resilience, coupled with the exacerbating effects of climate change, poses a threat to ecosystems by altering their functioning and habitat structures. To enhance our predictive capabilities regarding these distribution shifts, it is vital to delve into the ecophysiological and behavioural traits of invasive species, particularly in comparison to native species occupying similar ecological niches. Despite ongoing research, there remains a gap in fully understanding these dynamics, especially concerning the thermal and behavioural adaptations of invasive species originating from tropical regions, such as those in the Mediterranean Sea.

This research topic aims to explore the ecophysiological and behavioural characteristics of invasive species in the context of climate change. The primary objectives include investigating how these traits compare to those of native species, understanding the implications of these differences for ecosystem dynamics, and improving predictive models for future distribution scenarios. Key questions include: How do the thermal optima and behavioural preferences of invasive species differ from those of native species? What role do these differences play in the competitive interactions and resource utilization within ecosystems?

To gather further insights into the ecophysiology and behaviour of invasive species under climate change, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Comparative studies on the metabolic rates and temperature tolerances of invasive and native species.
- Investigations into the behavioural adaptations of invasive species, including habitat selection and feeding strategies.
- Field studies examining direct competition for resources between invasive and native species.
- Modelling approaches that integrate physiological and behavioural data to predict future scenarios.
- Laboratory experiments on stress tolerance, including responses to temperature, acidification, and hypoxia.
- Interdisciplinary approaches combining physiological measures, behavioural observations, and ecological modelling.