Evolution in Cities

Although research performed in cities will not uncover new evolutionary mechanisms, it could provide unprecedented opportunities to examine the interplay of evolutionary forces in new ways and new avenues to address classic questions. However, while the variation within and among cities affords many opportunities to advance evolutionary biology research, careful alignment between how cities are used and the research questions being asked is necessary to maximize the insights that can be gained. In this review, we develop a framework to help guide alignment between urban evolution research approaches and questions. Using this framework, we highlight what has been accomplished to date in the field of urban evolution and identify several up-and-coming research directions for further expansion. We conclude that urban environments can be used as evolutionary test beds to tackle both new and long-standing questions in evolutionary biology.

Automated summary

Research conducted in urban settings may not reveal new evolutionary mechanisms, but it offers unique opportunities to explore evolutionary forces and address classic questions in new ways. Careful alignment between urban use and research questions is crucial for maximizing insights. By developing a framework, progress in urban evolution research has been highlighted, and future research directions have been identified for further expansion to tackle new and longstanding evolutionary biology questions. Urban environments can serve as evolutionary test beds for addressing a wide range of evolutionary questions.