Ecotypic differentiation of a circumpolar Arctic-alpine species at mid-latitudes: variations in the ploidy level and reproductive system of Vaccinium vitis-idaea.

ABSTRACT: Although plant species originated from Arctic regions commonly grow in alpine habitats at mid-latitudes, some populations of these species exist also in some specific habitats below the treeline. Local populations at lower elevations may have different origins, ploidy levels, mating systems and/or morphological traits from alpine populations, but comparative studies between alpine and low-elevation populations are scarce. We aimed to reveal the ecological and genetic differentiations between higher and lower populations of Vaccinium vitis-idaea in Hokkaido, northern Japan by comparing 22 populations growing in diverse environments. We analysed the ploidy level of individual populations using flow cytometry. Genetic differentiation among populations, and genetic diversity within popu

SUBMITTER: Wakui A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8114225 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature