Environmental contributions to the evolution of trait differences inGeum triflorum: Implications for restoration

Abstract

Premise of the StudyUnderstanding how environment influences the distribution of trait variation across a species' range has important implications for seed transfer during restoration. Heritable genetic differences associated with environment could impact fitness when transferred into new environments. Here, we test the degree to which the environment shapes the evolution and distribution of genetic effects for traits important to adaptation. MethodsIn a common garden experiment, we quantified trait differentiation for populations of Geum triflorum sourced from three distinct ecoregions and evaluated the ability of climate to predict trait variation. Populations were sourced from alvar ecoregions which experience predictable extremes in seasonal water availability and the prairie ecoregion which exhibits unpredictable changes in water availability.

Climate and habitat type interact to influence contemporary dispersal potential in Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

“…Our results suggest variance in dispersal potential is at least partly driven by the environment. For populations on alvars, which experience predictable seasonal variation from flooding to desiccation, in a longer growing season (e.g., more growing degree days above 5°C), limited access to water as the season progresses may impact development (Hamilton & Eckert, 2007 ; Volk et al., 2022 ). We find alvar populations of G. triflorum use shorter seasons with conditions that promote less water stress to produce seeds that can move farther away from their natal location.…”

“…In general, prairies and alvars differ in both abiotic and biotic conditions. Their edaphic environments differ with alvars having thin layers of soil over limestone and exposed areas of bare rock (Belcher et al., 1992 ; Catling & Brownell, 1995 ; Hamilton & Eckert, 2007 ), contrasting with prairies which tend to have deep soils which allow for deeper rooting systems (Anderson et al., 2006 ; Volk et al., 2022 ). The plant communities on alvars and prairies are also different.…”

“…Furthermore, it is a biologically meaningful climate variable as it reflects the required heat sum associated with the onset of growth (Beaubien & Hamann, 2011 ). Development is predicted to be particularly sensitive to climate change (McGinn & Shepherd, 2003 ) as shifts in DD5 for spring perennials, such as G. triflorum , have substantial influence on the timing and duration of the growing season (Beaubien & Hamann, 2011 ; Kulbaba et al., 2023 ; Volk et al., 2022 ; Whittet et al., 2017 ). We note here that both prairie and alvar populations fell within a similar latitudinal range, therefore values of DD5 are largely independent of photoperiod (e.g., each habitat type on the whole had overlapping distributions of DD5).…”

“…The species occurs in four of seven alvar regions across the Great Lakes (Catling & Brownell, 1995;Reschke et al, 1999); the Napanee Plain, the Carden Plain, Western New York, and Manitoulin Island; as well as alvar habitats on Drummond Island, Michigan, and northern In general, prairies and alvars differ in both abiotic and biotic conditions. Their edaphic environments differ with alvars having thin layers of soil over limestone and exposed areas of bare rock (Belcher et al, 1992;Catling & Brownell, 1995;Hamilton & Eckert, 2007), contrasting with prairies which tend to have deep soils which allow for deeper rooting systems (Anderson et al, 2006;Volk et al, 2022). The plant communities on alvars and prairies are also different.…”

Seed sourcing for climate‐resilient grasslands: The role of seed source diversity during early restoration establishment

“…Genetic variation may be reduced through random fluctuations in small, isolated populations via genetic drift (Reed & Frankham, 2003), reduced connectivity, or gene flow (Durka et al, 2017;Hamilton & Eckert, 2007). Furthermore, to conserve species' evolutionary potential requires genetic variation, suggesting that the addition of non-local sources that may include regional genetic variation is important (Di Santo et al, 2022;Kawecki & Ebert, 2004;Volk et al, 2022). Regional provenancing of seeds from multiple sources may provide the genetic variation needed to ensure adaptability is maintained over time within a seed mix (Hofner et al, 2022).…”