Columbus State University
Latitudinal Gradient Facilitates Adaptive Population Differentiation of Campanulastrum americanum (American Bellflower)
Abstract
dc:description.abstract<p>Local adaptation is characterized by higher reproductive fitness by individuals present in their native habitats relative to nonlocals. This study utilized Campanulastrum americanum as a model for assessing whether an environmental gradient can facilitate local adaptation. In particular, I determined if a latitudinal gradient across eastern United States has influenced the phenology and reproductive fitness of five northern and four southern C, americanum populations. These populations were reciprocally transplanted into two common garden sites positioned in the most northern and southern extent of the species distribution: Hastings, MI and Columbus, GA. I observed adaptive population differentiation of northern and southern populations. Both reproductive and phenological traits of plants of southern origin were differentiated from plants of northern origins and under selection. There was also significant selection towards earlier flowering initiation. Earlier flowering, along with faster bolting rate and delayed fruit maturation has assisted in maximizing reproductive fitness of southern populations in the south. While, earlier flowering, delayed fruit maturation, and delayed bolting has facilitated higher fitness of northern populations in the northern part of the species range. This study demonstrates that selection may occur across a species distribution, creating locally adapted populations.</p>
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Science
- Level thesis:degree_level
- Thesis
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Natural Sciences
- Year dc:date.available
- 2015
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Naciuk, Marisa L.
- Contributors dc:contributor
-
- Kevin S. Burgess
- Laura F. Galloway
- Holly R. Prendeville
Subjects
dc:subject × 8Rights
- Language dc:language
- English
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Repository record dc:identifier
- https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/191
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:csuepress.columbusstate.edu:theses_dissertations-1192