Abstract Detail

Ecology

Ramirez, He-Lo [1], Ivey, Christopher [2], Sork, Victoria [3], Wright, Jessica [4].

Leaf trait variation in a Quercus lobata common garden experiment is not explained by climatic conditions of maternal seed source.

Oaks (genus Quercus) are known for harboring substantial intraspecific variation in leaf morphology. Previous studies have shown that specific leaf area and leaf shape of some oak species covary with climatic variables, including temperature and precipitation. Such patterns may reflect local adaptation of genotypes to prevailing climate or plastic responses to variation in climate. We tested the hypothesis that variation in leaf dissection (perimeter:area ratio) and specific leaf area (area:biomass) in California’s native Q. lobata was genetically based, reflecting adaptation to climatic regime. The study was conducted in a large provenance test involving over 670 maternal families collected from 97 locations throughout the range of the species and replicated across two experimental sites. We subsampled leaves from 54 trees grown from 27 maternal families (9 locations) representing the extremes and median of multivariate climate phenospace, and used digital image analysis to characterize their shape. In addition, we weighed leaves to calculate specific leaf area. If variation in leaf traits is due to adaptation to local climatic conditions, we predicted that leaves sampled from trees originating from contrasting climates would contrast significantly in traits measured, even when grown in this common garden. Although we observed substantial variation, we found no significant differences in leaf traits among the climate categories sampled, suggesting that the phenotypic variation observed across natural populations is largely shaped by local environmental conditions rather than underlying genetic differences.

1 - California State University, Chico, Biological Sciences, 400 W. First St., Chico, CA, 95929, USA
2 - California State University, Chico, Biological Sciences, 400 W 1st St., Chico, CA, 95929, United States
3 - UCLA, ECOL & EVOL BIOL, Box 957239 , Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
4 - U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 1731 Research Park Dr., Davis, CA, 95618, USA

Keywords:
Quercus
local adaptation
Plasticity
Leaf shape
climate
common garden.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Ecology
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEC013
Abstract ID:315
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Undergraduate Presentation Award