Potential barriers to migration in Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. (Fagaceae): implications for modeling population distributions under global climate change
Morris A. 2016. Potential barriers to migration in Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. (Fagaceae): implications for modeling population distributions under global climate change
PI is studying the genetic make-up of different clones of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) to examine the hypothesis that the Smokies served as a glacial refugia for temperate species during the last ice age. She is looking at how genetic material has been exchanged over the past several million years and also looking to predict how this species may respond to climate change. Her study areas included Grassy Branch, Cataloochee, the Chimneys, Jenkins Knob, Heintooga Road, and Balsam Mountain. Preliminary findings indicate that clonal reproduction (asexual reproduction by root sprouting) may occur across populations of beech in the park. The Grassy Branch population was the only site of those six sampled in which every tree had a unique genotype. Alternatively, the Jenkins Knob site had only one genotype for all 30 trees sampled, indicating a single genetic clone. Clonal structure at the other sites varied, and additional molecular data are being analyzed to confirm these findings. Park beech share a common chloroplast genetic type that does not appear to be found outside the park. Regarding infection with beech blight fungus, there has been no correlation found between the host genotype and the degree of infection, but there was a significant positive relationship between stem size and the degree of infection. Final data analysis is expected to be complete and prepared for publication in 2011. Citations include a study of the phylogeny across many taxa, including beech, in unglaciated eastern North America.
- Type
- Generic Dataset
- Authors
- Morris, Ashley
- Date of Issue
- 2016-10-11
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM Permitted Study ID: GRSM-00123, SER, Southeast Region
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Forest/Woodland Communities