Plants that become invasive may owe their success to an advantage shaped long before they arrive, according to new research led by King's College London.
The study challenges the conventional view that invasiveness arises primarily from rapid adaptation upon arrival. Instead, it points to evolutionary legacies that pre-dispose certain species to thrive when introduced to new regions.
Details on the specific traits or mechanisms remain limited, as the full findings have not yet been publicly detailed. The research was published within the last hour.
If confirmed, these findings could reshape strategies for managing invasive species, shifting focus to prevention rather than post-invasion control. Conservationists and land managers may need to identify high-risk plants before they spread.
Further peer review and replication will be needed to solidify the conclusions. The work adds a new layer to understanding biological invasions, a major driver of global biodiversity loss.