Speaker
Description
Habitat fragmentation is one of the major threats to European ecosystems. It often leads to decreased patch area and increased isolation of populations. Both processes are expected to result in genetic impoverishment and reduced resilience to environmental changes in populations inhabiting fragmented landscapes. In particular, semi-natural grasslands, which represent one of the most species-rich habitats in Europe, are suffering from human-induced habitat fragmentation caused by intensification or abandonment of management. Grassland plant species that depend on external vectors for pollen and seed dispersal and rely on a specific mating system for successful reproduction are most sensitive. In our study, we investigate the population genetics of the heterostylous, self-incompatible and insect-pollinated grassland plant Primula veris using GBS to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Samples were collected in five European countries spanning most of the species’ distribution range. In each country, samples were taken from contrasting landscapes of fragmented vs. connected semi-natural grasslands creating a gradient of grassland fragmentation sites on a European scale. We expect to find reduced genetic diversity in populations inhabiting fragmented landscapes compared to those in connected ones. Genetic differentiation will be more pronounced among fragmented populations with the effect becoming stronger towards the margin of the species’ distribution range. Furthermore, we expect a decline in potential mating partners in fragmented populations, possibly leading to an overall decrease in population size and further reduction in genetic diversity. Our study will provide valuable knowledge to the consequences of ongoing habitat fragmentation. It will contribute to develop and reassess management strategies to restore fragmented habitats, to maintain connected ones, and to preserve resilient populations.
| Status Group | Postdoctoral Researcher |
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