Density-dependent selection during range expansion affects expansion load in life-history traits

Abstract

Models of range expansion have independently explored fitness consequences of life-history trait evolution and increased rates of genetic drift--or "allele surfing"--during spatial spread, but no previous model has examined the interactions between these two processes. Here, we explore an ecologically complex range expansion scenario that combines density-dependent selection with allele surfing, using spatially explicit simulations to asses the genetic and fitness consequences of density-dependent selection on the evolution of life-history traits. We demonstrate that density-dependent selection on the range edge acts differently depending on the life-history trait and can either diminish or enhance allele surfing. Specifically, we show that selection on the range edge is always weaker at sites affecting competitive ability (K-selected traits) than intrinsic growth rate ((r-selected traits). We then link differences in the frequency of deleterious mutations to differences in the efficacy of selection and rate of mutation accumulation across distinct life-history traits. Finally, we demonstrate the fitness consequences of accumulated deleterious mutations for different life-history traits are related to the population density in which they are expressed. Our work highlights the complex relationship between ecology and expressed genetic load, which will be important to consider when interpreting both experimental and field studies of range expansion.