New Phytologist Review Tansley review Genes to ecosystems: exploring the frontiers of ecology with one of the smallest biological units 1 2 2 Author for correspondence: Adam S. Wymore , Annika T. H. Keeley , Kasey M. Yturralde , Thomas G. Whitham Melanie L. Schroer1, Catherine R. Propper1 and Thomas G. Whitham1,3 Tel: +1 928 523 7215 1 2 Email:
[email protected] Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; 3Merriam-Powell Center for Received: 9 December 2010 Accepted: 3 March 2011 Environmental Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA Contents Summary 19 VI. Gene expression, fish and pollution 28 I. Introduction 19 VII. An emphasis on foundation species and 31 their biotic and abiotic interactions II. Fundamental principles and the community genetics 20 equivalent of Koch’s postulates VIII. Applications to the human condition 32 III. Genes, invasions and competition 21 IX. Conclusions 32 IV. Mutation, resistance and ecosystem consequences 24 Acknowledgements 33 V. Heritable traits, pine cones and climate 26 References 33 Summary New Phytologist (2011) 191: 19–36 Genes and their expression levels in individual species can structure whole commu- doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03730.x nities and affect ecosystem processes. Although much has been written about community and ecosystem phenotypes with a few model systems, such as poplar Key words: climate change, community and goldenrod, here we explore the potential application of a community genetics genetics postulates, ecosystem services, approach with systems involving invasive species, climate change and pollution.