Evolutionary consequences of fertilisation and early development in warming seas

Natural populations of plants and animals are experiencing stressful changes to their environments due to global warming, but may undergo evolutionary adaptation to counter these stressful conditions. My thesis aims to examine the capacity of marine invertebrate populations to adapt under future conditions, with particular focus on their most vulnerable life stages – fertilisation and early development. Through several empirical studies, I investigate whether populations have the genetic variation required for adaptation to projected levels of ocean warming, and explore which biologically-important traits will be involved in adaptation. My findings provide novel insights to help guide future conservation strategies.