Abstract Detail

Ecology

Balkam, Natalie [1], Koelling, Vanessa [2].

Using niche modeling to analyze differences in life history traits in populations of Mimulus guttatus at high and low elevations.

Plants develop phenotypic and life history traits in response to their surrounding environment. Differences in these traits represent evolutionary pressures that have determined these traits to be most successful in a particular habitat. Annual and perennial plants have diverged in many traits such as flowering time, flower size, and allocation to vegetative or floral parts. These variations appear to be due to differences in availability of moisture in soil, which varies along elevational gradients. Annuals typically reside in areas with more limited water availability, whereas perennials live in areas with more continual moisture. Using the model organism, the common yellow monkey flower (Mimulus guttatus), I will measure these traits and compare between populations at high and low elevations. Populations of M. guttatus at higher levels are generally annual, with more rapid flowering times as well as allocation to more, but smaller flowers. Conversely, populations of M. guttatus at lower levels are generally perennial, characterized by later flowering time, larger flowers, and the growth of more vegetative parts such as stolons. As these traits are likely a response to ecological differences, I will utilize niche modeling systems non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) and principle component analysis (PCA), to determine if these measured traits can be modeled and demonstrated as evidence for divergence between annual and perennial populations.

1 - University of Puget Sound, Biology, 1500 N Warner, Tacoma, WA, 98416, USA
2 - University Of Puget Sound, Biology, 1500 N. Warner St., 1200 Sunnyside Ave., Tacoma, WA, 98416, USA

Keywords:
Evolutionary
ecology
life history
ecological niche modeling.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Ecology Section Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEC037
Abstract ID:929
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Undergraduate Presentation Award