An Ecological and Evolutionary Framework for Commensalism in Anthropogenic Environments.
Commensalism within anthropogenic environments has not been extensively discussed, despite its impact on humans, and there is no formal framework for assessing this ecological relationship in its varied forms. Here, we examine commensalism in anthropogenic environments in detail, considering both ecological and evolutionary drivers. The many assumptions about commensalism and the nature of anthropogenic environments are discussed and we highlight dependency as a key attribute of anthropogenic commensals (anthrodependent taxa). We primarily focus on mammalian species in the anthropogenic-commensal niche, but the traits described and selective pressures presented are likely fundamental to many species engaged in intense commensal relationships with humans. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this largely understudied interaction represents an important opportunity to investigate evolutionary processes in rapidly changing environments.
Department of Archaeology, School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, St Mary's Building, Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, UK; Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology, University of Liverpool, 12-14 Abercromby Square, Liverpool, L69 7WZ, UK. Electronic address: a.hulme-beaman@abdn.ac.uk.
Ardern
A
Hulme-Beaman
Department of Archaeology, School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, St Mary's Building, Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, UK; Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology, University of Liverpool, 12-14 Abercromby Square, Liverpool, L69 7WZ, UK.
Keith
K
Dobney
Department of Archaeology, School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, St Mary's Building, Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, UK; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS UMR7209, Paris, France.
Thomas
T
Cucchi
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Corson Hall, Ithaca, NY14853-2701, USA.
Jeremy B
JB
Searle
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004463:Ecology; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D013559:Symbiosis
anthropogenic environments; anthropogenic niche; commensal species; commensalism