Quercus Genetics Insights into the Past, Present, and Future of Oaks

• Format: eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2022
• Subjects: bioclimatic associations; biodiversity; bisulfite sequencing; botanic gardens; chlorotype; conservation biology; conservation genetics; conservation genomics; distribution; DNA methylation; ecological speciation; endangered oaks; EST; ex situ; Fagaceae; fragmentation; functional traits; gene conservation; gene flow; genetic differentiation; genetic diversity; genetic mosaic of speciation; heterozygosity; hybridization; inbreeding; introgression; leaf traits; microsatellites; morphometrics; n/a; oak; oak decline; Oaks of Concern; parentage analysis; pedunculate oak; phenotype; phylogeny; pollination; population genetics; post-glacial migration; Quercus; Quercus havardii; Reference, Information and Interdisciplinary subjects; reproductive isolation; Research and information: general; single nucleotide polymorphisms; species concepts; systematics; wind pollination
• DOI: 10.3390/books978-3-0365-2879-3
• ISBN: 9783036528786; 3036528792; 9783036528793; 3036528784

The genus Quercus (Quercus, Fagaceae) comprises more than 400 species distributed throughout the northern hemisphere. While the highest oak diversity occurs in American and Asia, European species are also widespread. Oaks are ecological dominants of many temperate forests, and evergreen species are major components of Mediterranean and subtropical woodlands. They provide important ecosystem services and valuable timber. Oak species exhibit high genetic diversity, and this diversity has provided a wealth of information regarding oak ecology and evolution. Recent genetic and genomic studies of oaks have unraveled their evolutionary origins, history, and past radiations. Genetic approaches have also been applied to learn about more recent events, such as range expansions and contractions occurring at northern latitudes.