| Abstract Detail
Population Genetics Gaddis, Keith Donald [1], Cairns, David [1]. Reproductive and Dispersal Patterns of White Spruce Along Alaskan Treelines. Treeline advance in response to climatic shifts has been documented as a global phenomenon. The degree to which this advance influences genetic variability, and thus the evolutionary potential of treeline species is dependent on the reproductive mode and dispersal pattern in expanding populations. It’s been suggested that new establishment occurs primarily through clonal layering, which would reduce genetic diversity on the population edge. Additionally, new individuals established by seed dispersal may originate more from the population edge and not from internal forest, resulting in a genetic bottleneck as populations expand. We examine these two factors in the Alaskan treeline forming species white spruce (Picea glauca). We have found in some white spruce populations, dispersal occurs anisotropically, with a preference for movement along treeline rather than from forest interior. Although clonal reproduction occurs at most sites, it constitutes a small fraction of the total reproductive events we recorded. These results indicate a potential for genetic loss in expanding populations which may be mitigated by dominant sexual reproduction.
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1 - Texas A&M University, 3147 tamu, College Station, Texas, 77843, United States
Keywords:
Treeline
fine-scale dispersal
genetics
Alaska
climate change.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 39, Population Genetics
Location: 201/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 10:30 AM
Number: 39010
Abstract ID:288
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award |
