title: Genes to ecosystems: exploring the frontiers of ecology with one of the smallest biological units.
abstract: Genes and their expression levels in individual species can structure whole communities and affect ecosystem processes. Although much has been written about community and ecosystem phenotypes with a few model systems, such as poplar and goldenrod, here we explore the potential application of a community genetics approach with systems involving invasive species, climate change and pollution. We argue that community genetics can reveal patterns and processes that otherwise might remain undetected. To further facilitate the community genetics or genes-to-ecosystem concept, we propose four community genetics postulates that allow for the conclusion of a causal relationship between the gene and its effect on the ecosystem. Although most current studies do not satisfy these criteria completely, several come close and, in so doing, begin to provide a genetic-based understanding of communities and ecosystems, as well as a sound basis for conservation and management practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
authors.forename: Adam S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Wymore
authors.affiliation: School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
authors.forename: Annika T H
authors.initials: ATH
authors.lastname: Keeley
authors.affiliation: School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
authors.forename: Kasey M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Yturralde
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
authors.forename: Melanie L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Schroer
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Propper
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.|Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Whitham
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019069:Cell Respiration; D057231:Climate Change; D017753:Ecosystem; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D058865:Introduced Species; D008297:Male; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012589:Sciuridae / Q000502:physiology