Patterns, causes and consequences of intraspecific variation in environmental tolerance in fishes

Intraspecific variation in functional traits of organisms is a fundamental component of biodiversity, which is of particular significance in an era of human-induced rapid environmental change. The vulnerability of fish species to environmental stresses will be influenced by the extent of intraspecific variation in functional traits, especially variation in traits of physiological tolerance. Possessing a broad range of tolerance phenotypes within populations can reduce their immediate sensitivity to environmental stressors, through a number of ecological mechanisms. If there is a link between phenotypic variation and underlying genetic diversity in the species, this can foster adaptability and evolvability over the longer term, by providing genotypes for selection as the environment changes. When fish species are challenged by environmental stresses such as heatwaves, hypoxic events or pollution, to name some major examples, the population sensitivity and adaptability will be major determinants of their relative vulnerability.

The research topic aims to provide a forum for the publication and dissemination of current research into the patterns, causes and consequences of intraspecific variation in tolerance of environmental stressors in fishes, towards improved understanding of its significance for resilience of species to global change. Intraspecific variation can be considered at the level of the population or of individuals within populations. All abiotic and biotic environmental stressors linked to global change are relevant, and tolerance can be evaluated as physiological thresholds, metrics of physiological performance, or behavioural responses. We are particularly interest in understanding how these functional traits are interrelated, and how they might depend upon a fish’s social environment in gregarious species.

We welcome articles both review and original research articles, authors are invited to submit ideas. We are particularly interested in articles that review knowledge and interpret the potential significance of patterns of functional diversity in tolerance of major stressors linked to global change. We also welcome original research articles that investigate patterns, causes and consequences of intraspecific diversity of environmental tolerance in fishes.