Genetic distance predicts trait differentiation at the subpopulation but not the individual level in eelgrass, Zostera marina.

ABSTRACT: Ecological studies often assume that genetically similar individuals will be more similar in phenotypic traits, such that genetic diversity can serve as a proxy for trait diversity. Here, we explicitly test the relationship between genetic relatedness and trait distance using 40 eelgrass (Zostera marina) genotypes from five sites within Bodega Harbor, CA. We measured traits related to nutrient uptake, morphology, biomass and growth, photosynthesis, and chemical deterrents for all genotypes. We used these trait measurements to calculate a multivariate pairwise trait distance for all possible genotype combinations. We then estimated pairwise relatedness from 11 microsatellite markers. We found significant trait variation among genotypes for nearly every measured trait; however, there

SUBMITTER: Abbott JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6106171 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature