Correlating genetic variation in carbon isotopic composition with complex climatic gradients.
Genetic variation in both carbon isotope discrimination and the proportions of leaf and photosynthetic twig tissues were observed in ecotypes of Hymenoclea salsola T.G., a common shrub in the deserts of the western United States, when grown under common garden conditions. These variations were correlated with climatic conditions in the habitats of origin through a model that described the leaf-to-air water vapor gradients experienced by plants during the growing season. Both carbon isotope discrimination and the proportion of leaves in the canopy were lower in plants derived from habitats with higher leaf-to-air vapor gradients, despite the fact that some of these sites received relatively high amounts of annual precipitation. These patterns were consistent with the notion that plants are able to maintain substantial control of water-use efficiency over large environmental gradients of temperature and moisture availability.
Comstock
J P
JP
Biology Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112.
Ehleringer
J R
JR
D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D003889:Desert Climate; D004463:Ecology; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006813:Humidity; D010788:Photosynthesis; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics; D014481:United States; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D014867:Water; D002244:Carbon