Abstract Detail

Population Genetics

Jordon-Thaden, Ingrid [1], MARTINE , CHRISTOPHER T [2].

Evolutionary genetics and phylogeography of alpine mustards, Draba L. (Brassicaceae): exploration of polyploid plant speciation in the North American Cordillera.

The research presented here aims to explore questions regarding speciation processes in high arctic and alpine polyploid plant species. The study system is Draba L., (Brassicaceae), a highly diverse polyploid complex distributed in arctic, subarctic, and alpine habitats. Alpine species are dependent upon annual snowfall and respective gradual snowmelt during the warm months. The accelerated melting of glaciers and the instability of the soil threaten their habitat. Continuation of research with Draba can shed light on the generation of species diversity under environmental stresses, such as glaciation cycles and habitat fluctuations, as well as the evolution of traits such as apomixis, polyploidy, and perennial life history as survival mechanisms in harsh arctic and alpine ecosystems. There are more than 96 Draba species found within the North American Cordillera. The present study investigates Draba oligosperma Hook., few-seeded draba, a species with an unusual distribution from Alaska to Arizona, and Wyoming to California. Preliminary results indicate that D. oligosperma may be an allopolyploid, and it is also apomictic. We aim to infer whether this species arose via allopolyploid formation and whether such an event has happened once or multiple times creating different lineages. More generally, we will also examine the role of apomixis in the speciation of polyploids. We are using NGS methods of genome skimming at the individual level and GBS (Genotyping by Sequencing) at the population level to investigate this system. Focus on the conservation of their habitat will underlie all aspects of this research. In particular, we hope that this research may shed light on the necessity of the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act.

1 - Bucknell University, Biology, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, USA
2 - Bucknell University, Biological Sciences, 203 Biology Building, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, USA

Keywords:
Draba
Brassicaceae
population genomics
apomixis
North America
polyploidy
Genotyping by Sequencing
alpine.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 6
Location: Pines South/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 10:30 AM
Number: 6008
Abstract ID:379
Candidate for Awards:None