Urbanization and a green corridor do not impact genetic divergence in common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.).

ABSTRACT: Urbanization is altering landscapes globally at an unprecedented rate. While ecological differences between urban and rural environments often promote phenotypic divergence among populations, it is unclear to what degree these trait differences arise from genetic divergence as opposed to phenotypic plasticity. Furthermore, little is known about how specific landscape elements, such as green corridors, impact genetic divergence in urban environments. We tested the hypotheses that: (1) urbanization, and (2) proximity to an urban green corridor influence genetic divergence in common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) populations for phenotypic traits. Using seeds from 52 populations along three urban-to-rural subtransects in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, one of which followed a green corridor,

SUBMITTER: Breitbart ST 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10665382 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature