Genotypic variation in a foundation tree (Populus tremula L.) explains community structure of associated epiphytes.
Community genetics hypothesizes that within a foundation species, the genotype of an individual significantly influences the assemblage of dependent organisms. To assess whether these intra-specific genetic effects are ecologically important, it is required to compare their impact on dependent organisms with that attributable to environmental variation experienced over relevant spatial scales. We assessed bark epiphytes on 27 aspen (Populus tremula L.) genotypes grown in a randomized experimental array at two contrasting sites spanning the environmental conditions from which the aspen genotypes were collected. We found that variation in aspen genotype significantly influenced bark epiphyte community composition, and to the same degree as environmental variation between the test sites. We conclude that maintaining genotypic diversity of foundation species may be crucial for conservation of associated biodiversity.
Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, , Mayfield Road, EH9 3JT, UK.
Chantel
C
Davies
Christopher J
CJ
Ellis
Glenn R
GR
Iason
Richard A
RA
Ennos
D044822:Biodiversity; D019068:Bryopsida / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D035926:Hepatophyta / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D008011:Lichens / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D011157:Population Dynamics; D032107:Populus / Q000235:genetics*; D012606:Scotland; D013045:Species Specificity
aspen clone; community genetics; environment; epiphyte; randomized trial