Digest: Evolutionary rescue following the introduction of a pathogen*

Abstract

To what extent can adaptive evolution rescue a population from extinction following the introduction of a pathogen? Searle and Christie (2021) show how evolutionary rescues in host–pathogen systems may differ from those that occur in response to abiotic changes. In particular, they pinpoint how epidemiological feedback and pathogen evolution, inherent to host-pathogen systems, can greatly affect the likelihood of rescue.