Molecular evaluation and geographical adaptation of plants: A literature review

Abstract

Plants adapt locally to a wide range of environments to achieve ecological specialization. Maladaptation and costly fitness can result from local adaptation. However, these adaptations are not common, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are now unclear. The literature was investigated to recognize potential pathways underlying ecological specialization and local adaptation. Stressors such as drought, high heat, cold, floods, herbivores, and disease were investigated. The results were summarized by recent developments in regional adaptability and plant molecular biology. In addition to situations when modifications aren't a necessary part of adaptation, procedures that may lead to changes in fitness have been identified. In the future, it will be important to investigate local adaptation with a clear focus on molecular processes.