Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Yoko, Zebadiah [1], Volk, Kate [2], Hamilton, Jill [3].

Teasing apart the scale of quantitative trait differences for restoration across heterogeneous landscapes .

Understanding the scale over which genetic differences have evolved across seed sourced for restoration is a crucial component of habitat restoration. Deterministic and stochastic processes will contribute to the evolution of genetic differences across seed sources. This is particularly true for widely distributed species that persist across heterogeneous landscapes. These differences can impact restoration success, particularly if seeds are transferred large geographic or environmental distances from their collection sites. Thus, the success of habitat restorations may depend on the scale over which genetic differences have evolved for widely dispersed seed sources. Here we use Geum triflorum (Pursh) or Prairie Smoke, to quantify the scale over which quantitative trait differences have evolved in populations spanning a broad distribution. G. triflorum is a widely distributed species spanning a range of extreme environments, including prairie and alvar habitats. Prairie landscapes typically consist of thick, nutrient-dense soil with strong seasonal climates. Alvars consist of shallow soils over limestone bedrock, and are prone to extreme seasonal flooding and drought. To quantify genetic differences in seeds sourced across the species’ range, we evaluated physiological, stomatal, and morphological traits within a common garden environment. Using linear mixed effect models, we assessed the proportion of variance for quantitative traits that is explained across regional and population-scales. Following this, we evaluated the effect different trait classes had in explaining regional and population-scale trait differentiation. Both regional- and population-level trait differences were observed for most traits although differences in the proportion of variance explained at the different scales varied for some traits. Physiological traits exhibited greater regional differences relative to morphological traits. This indicates that quantitative trait differentiation in G. triflorum occurs on multiple scales, both across large regions and between populations. These patterns point towards the importance of considering the scale over which genetic differences may have evolved when sourcing seed for restoration in widely distributed species.

1 - North Dakota State University, Biological Sciences, 1340 Bolley Dr, Fargo, ND, 58102, United States
2 - North Dakota State University, Biological Sciences, 1340 Bolley Dr, Fargo, ND, 58102
3 - North Dakota State University, Biological Sciences, PO Box 6050, Dept. 2715, Fargo, ND, 58102, United States

Keywords:
Restoration 
prairie smoke
Prairie Ecosystems
intraspecific trait variation
alvar.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: CB1, Conservation Ecology 1
Location: Tucson B/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: CB1003
Abstract ID:373
Candidate for Awards:None