Characterizing genetic adaptations and plastic stress responses within a transcontinental North American keystone species.

ABSTRACT: Local adaptation can lead to the intraspecific variation in a species' genetic makeup, shaping both its physiological and morphological traits as well as its molecular responses. In this study, we assessed variation in key functional leaf traits, such as stomata density, carbon and nitrogen content, cuticular wax composition and leaf shapes, within the transcontinental North American Populus tremuloides Michaux (quaking aspen) by sampling individuals from its four major genetic lineages. We also performed a small-scale common garden experiment with imposed higher temperature and drought stress during which we sampled for transcriptomes using RNAseq and performed physiological measurements to obtain insights into the intraspecific responses among aspen lineages to such abiotic stressors. Ou

SUBMITTER: Goessen R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12381763 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature