Impact of mating system on range size and niche breadth in Epipactis (Orchidaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The geographical distribution of plant species is linked fundamentally not only to environmental variables, but also to key traits that affect the dispersal, establishment and evolutionary potential of a species. One of the key plant traits that can be expected to affect standing genetic variation, speed of adaptation and the capacity to colonize and establish in new habitats, and therefore niche breadth and range size, is the plant mating system. However, the precise role of the mating system in shaping range size and niche breadth of plant species remains unclear, and different studies have provided contrasting results. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that range size and niche breadth differed with mating system in the orchid genus Epipactis.

Method

SUBMITTER: Evans A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7684703 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature