HYPE · Hybridisation and its phenotypic effects under climate change in ants

Climate change is challenging all species. To persist, organisms must respond to fast-changing and perhaps extreme conditions. Phenotypic plasticity likely plays an important role and can occur within an organisms lifetime but may be insufficient over a longer time. Adaptation via genomic changes requires time and sufficient variation on which natural selection can act both of which are often limited in natural populations. Hybridisation between species can rapidly increase genetic variation, boosting plasticity and adaptive potential. However, our understanding of the effects of hybridisation on phenotypic traits under climate change is limited, despite its potential to promote persistence and reduce biodiversity loss.In the project HYPE, I will assess if hybridisation can mitigate the effects of climate change by studying mound-building wood ants, geographically widespread keystone forest species. Across three research objectives, I will 1) quantify the extent of hybridisation across Europe and its impacts on genetic diversity; 2) assess the impact of hybridisation on acute heat tolerance; and 3) experimentally test the effect of hybridisation on seasonal phenotypic plasticity and adaptive potential under simulated climate change in three key traits, specifically acute heat, desiccation, and humidity stress tolerance. I will combine European-wide fieldwork, cutting-edge population genomics, and large-scale phenotypic lab assays in a multidisciplinary and ambitious project. The results will push boundaries in our understanding of whether and how hybridisation influences the response of natural populations to climate change and can fuel adaptation to it. As such, they will be of high scientific and social impact, such as on UN Sustainable Development Goals.The training-through-research will significantly advance my skills under excellent supervision and thus help me obtain a permanent position, apply for an ERC Starting Grant, and launch my independent career.