Abstract Detail

From Genes to Distributions: physiological ecology as an integrator of polyploid biology

Southgate, Morgan [1], Barrington, David [2].

Ecological dynamics of hybridization in the Adiantum pedatum complex at local and regional scales.

Ecological niche models and species distribution models have become widely used for understanding the coarse-resolution ecological factors shaping species distribution. Here, we integrate micro- and macro- habitat data in order to understand the ecological niche relationships among the members of the Adiantum pedatum complex in northeastern North America at both local and regional scales. This clade comprises the diploid maidenhair ferns Adiantum aleuticum (Rupr.) Paris (Aleutian maidenhair fern) and Adiantum pedatum L. (Northern maidenhair fern), as well as their allotetraploid hybrid Adiantum viridimontanum (Green Mountain maidenhair fern). There is a diversity of ecological preference among the members of the clade; A. pedatum is broadly distributed in rich woods, whereas A. aleuticum and A. viridimontanum are restricted to insular serpentine habitats. To characterize microhabitat variation, 81 survey plots were established across 28 sites spanning nine degrees of latitude from Pennsylvania to Parc national de la Gaspésie in Quebec. Data on light availability, topography, soil characteristics, and associated plant species were collected at each survey plot. To characterize macrohabitat variation, a range-wide occurrence data-set of the three species was compiled from personally collected observations and GBIF records. Point estimates of topographic, edaphic, and climatic variables for the occurrence data-set were extracted from coarse-resolution raster data. Micro- and macro- habitat data were both analyzed at local and regional scales using principal components analysis. The microhabitat niche of the allotetraploid hybrid exhibits both niche intermediacy and niche expansion on a local scale, but only niche intermediacy on a regional scale. In terms of macrohabitat variables, Adiantum viridimontanum shows no evidence of niche differences on a local scale, but shows niche intermediacy on a regional scale. The contrast in niche relationships at different ecological and geographic scopes highlights the importance of integrating field-collected, fine-scale microhabitat data with coarse-resolution, publicly available macrohabitat data in order to effectively build a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping plant distribution.

1 - University Of Vermont, Plant Biology, 63 Carrigan Dr., Burlington, VT, 05405, United States
2 - University Of Vermont, Plant Biology, 111 Jeffords Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States

Keywords:
allopolyploidy
Ferns
Ecological niche modeling
microhabitat data.

Presentation Type: Symposium Presentation
Session: SY3, From Genes to Distributions: physiological ecology as an integrator of polyploid biology
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2020
Time: 11:30 AM
Number: SY3003
Abstract ID:596
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Paper