Evolution in closely adjacent plant populations X: long-term persistence of prereproductive isolation at a mine boundary.
Flowering time differences between metal-tolerant and nontolerant populations of the grass Anthoxanthum odoratum growing across a mine boundary have persisted for over 40 years. These flowering time differences result in a high degree of prezygotic genetic isolation (isolation index=0.43) between the tolerant mine populations and nontolerant pasture populations. Previous work showing genetic determination of flowering time and a high turnover of individual plants argues strongly for the selective maintenance of this difference.
Antonovics
J
J
Biology Department, Gilmer Hall, McCormick Road, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA. ja8n@virginia.edu
D017753:Ecosystem; D035264:Flowers / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D049810:Genetic Speciation; D005843:Geography; D008670:Metals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008906:Mining; D006109:Poaceae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D008670:Metals