| Abstract Detail
Genetics Section Eule-Nashoba, Amber [1]. Climate Change in a Minnesota Prairie: Fitness and Adaptation in a Population of Partridge Pea. Background/Question/MethodsThe capacity of a population to adapt to a changing environment is dependent on its additive genetic variance for fitness: VA(W). Since R.A. Fisher described his Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection (FTNS) it has been theorized that VA(W) is likely to be negligible or even zero. If this value were minuscule, the likelihood of ongoing adaptation based on standing genetic variation would be low. To evaluate the capacity for ongoing adaptation I have applied the FTNS. Using a pedigreed population of an annual legume, Chamaecrista fasciculata, I established a common garden within a restored prairie and recorded complete lifetime fitness. I grew cohorts in 2013 and 2014 to account for the effect of year-to-year environmental variation. I have addressed statistical challenges posed by the compound nature of the fitness distribution by using Aster models for life history analysis. Calculations of additive genetic variance are made possible through the recently developed random effects capability of Aster models.Results/ConclusionsAdditive genetic variance for fitness was found to be substantial and highly statistically significant, supporting a prediction that mean fitness would increase by six seeds per individual due to natural selection. This result of significant genetic variation is particularly remarkable for two main reasons: first, it rebuts the theory that this variation is minimal and second, under any non-zero value fitness is expected to increase.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - University of Minnesota, Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, Room 100, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
Keywords:
UGT74S1
adaptation
Fitness.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 17
Location: Salon 15/16/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 2:00 PM
Number: 17003
Abstract ID:243
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award |
