Genetic differentiation, local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in fragmented populations of a rare forest herb

• Published in: PeerJ (San Francisco, CA) Vol. 6; p. e4929
• Main Authors: Gentili, Rodolfo, Solari, Aldo, Diekmann, Martin, Duprè, Cecilia, Monti, Gianna Serafina, Armiraglio, Stefano, Assini, Silvia, Citterio, Sandra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States PeerJ, Inc 13.06.2018; PeerJ Inc
• Subjects: Adaptation; Animal reproduction; Biodiversity; Conservation Biology; Conservation genetics; Ecology; Endangered populations; Environmental conditions; Environmental science; Evolution; Evolutionary history; Flowering; Flowers & plants; Genetic analysis; Genetic diversity; Genetics; Local adaptation; Migration; Natural selection; Phenotypic plasticity; Phenotypic variations; Plant reproductive structures; Population; Population Biology; Population decline; Population genetics; Population structure; Quantitative genetics; Software; Success; Italy; Germany; Local adaptation; Migration; Phenotypic plasticity; Species reinforcement; Conservation genetics; Evolutionary history; Natural selection

Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, numerous forest species are subject to severe population decline. Investigating variation in genetic diversity, phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation should be a prerequisite for implementing conservation actions. This study aimed to explore these aspects...