The evolutionary imbalance hypothesis suggests that global invasions are a result of the increasingly unbalanced distribution of evolutionary traits in different species. This has been observed in many cases of species invasions, where one species has been found to be better adapted to its environment than the other. By outcompeting the native species, the invading species can become dominant in the new environment.

This hypothesis has been gaining traction lately, as more evidence is being found to support it. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has added to the evidence in favor of the evolutionary imbalance hypothesis. By analyzing the traits of both native and invasive species in different parts of the world, the researchers were able to identify a clear pattern of evolutionary imbalance between the two. The study concluded that global invasions can be partially attributed to the evolutionary imbalance between species.

This is an important discovery, as it provides insight into the mechanisms behind global invasions. With further research, this evolutionary imbalance hypothesis could help us better understand the spread of invasive species and, hopefully, help us develop better strategies for managing them.

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source: Phys.org