Speaker
Description
The conservation of endangered species is crucial to prevent the loss of biodiversity. Genetic studies provide essential insights into population structure and dynamics and help to investigate the cause of genetic diversity loss, which are vital for effective conservation strategies of those species. Our study investigates the genetic diversity changes in the endangered perennial species Antennaria dioica over time, utilizing herbarium specimens and recent samples to uncover population dynamics in central Germany. Employing double-digest Restriction-site Associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing, we analyze herbarium samples spanning up to 200 years from now, with a focus on the last 70 years, as well as fresh samples to track changes in genetic diversity. Field data were collected in 2022 and 2023, recording sex ratios, plant performance, and population parameters such as the number of inflorescences and their capitula, leaf number, plant height, and population size. We aim to relate specimen data to abiotic habitat data such as environmental factors, including data on climate, land use, and soil properties, which connect our study to several research areas of iDiv, especially to ‘Molecular Biodiversity and Adaptation’. We hypothesize a considerable decline in the genetic diversity of A. dioica over time, likely due to the populations experiencing prolonged genetic isolation. Furthermore, populations with a higher female-to-male ratio, while maintaining the presence of both sexes, are anticipated to demonstrate better overall condition. Our findings aim to elucidate the primary drivers behind the observed population changes, considering genetic diversity loss and sex ratio shifts due to the dioecious nature of the species, alongside environmental influences. The results will provide crucial insights into the genetic status-quo and its historic development of an endangered plant species, potentially offering guidance for effective management and reintroduction procedures.
| Status Group | Doctoral Researcher |
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