Sympatric diploid and hexaploid cytotypes of Senecio carniolicus (Asteraceae) in the Eastern Alps are separated along an altitudinal gradient.
We explored the fine-scale distribution of cytotypes of the mountain plant Senecio carniolicus along an altitudinal transect in the Eastern Alps. Cytotypes showed a statistically significant altitudinal segregation with diploids exclusively found in the upper part of the transect, whereas diploids and hexaploids co-occurred in the lower range. Analysis of accompanying plant assemblages revealed significant differences between cytotypes along the entire transect but not within the lower part only, where both cytotypes co-occur. This suggests the presence of ecological differentiation between cytotypes with the diploid possessing the broader ecological niche. No tetraploids were detected, indicating the presence of strong crossing barriers.
Schönswetter
Peter
P
Department of Biogeography and Botanical Garden, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, Vienna, 1030, Austria.
Lachmayer
Margarita
M
Lettner
Christian
C
Prehsler
David
D
Rechnitzer
Stefanie
S
Reich
Dieter S
DS
Sonnleitner
Michaela
M
Wagner
Iris
I
Hülber
Karl
K
Schneeweiss
Gerald M
GM
Trávnícek
Pavel
P
Suda
Jan
J
D000531:Altitude; D001317:Austria; D004171:Diploidy; D017753:Ecosystem; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D011123:Polyploidy; D012674:Senecio / Q000235:genetics*