The Evolutionary Ecology of Arctic Fishes

Abstract

Despite a serious dearth of scientific knowledge, polar settings, with their distinctive dichotomy of stable and variable features, provide an interesting forum for studying the evolutionary ecology of fishes. These features predict unique life history trait combinations, which may be important determinants of resilience to extreme and changing Arctic environments. The genetic and environmental bases of life history plasticity and trade-offs are of particular interest in the context of the immaturity of Arctic environments, which are in a state of flux, both natural and anthropogenic. The striking simplicity of some Arctic communities affords good opportunities for comprehensive study of species in relatively intact natural settings. In the case of landlocked Atlantic cod, we can study a species of significant conservation concern persisting at the biotic and abiotic extremes of its range.