Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Visger, Clayton [1], Soltis, Pamela [2], Soltis, Douglas [3].

Did niche differentiation occur following autopolyploidy in Tolmiea (Saxifragaceae)? Determining range requirements using ecological niche modeling.

Tolmiea (Saxifragaceae) represents one of the clearest examples of a natural autopolyploid system. Autotetraploid T. menziesii (2n = 28) occupies a range in the Pacific Northwest from central Oregon to Alaska, while the diploid T. diplomenziesii (2n = 14) is found from Northern California to central Oregon. The ranges of the two species abut, but there is little overlap. For the tetraploid to have become established, it must have overcome a minority cytotype disadvantage. It has remained unclear whether the tetraploid populations overcame this disadvantage via niche differentiation following polyploidy or as a byproduct of stochastic events, such as dispersal. This study uses ecological niche modeling to determine if T. menziesii and T. diplomenziesii show evidence of niche differentiation. Using population locality data collected from the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria, preliminary data indicates that the diploid and tetraploid Tolmiea do have different range requirements, suggesting that the tetraploid may have undergone niche differentiation following autopolyploidization. Future work will include increased sampling within central Oregon, and physiological comparisons based on currently understood range-limiting factors (e.g., drought tolerance and water balance).

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Florida, Department of Biology, P.O. Box 118525, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
2 - University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History, PO BOX 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7800, USA
3 - University of Florida, Biology and Florida Museum of Natural History, po box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

Keywords:
Tolmiea
Saxifragaceae
Polyploidy
niche modeling
minority cytotype disadvantage.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:45 PM
Number: PEC008
Abstract ID:318
Candidate for Awards:None