Elevational and temporal variation in Ipomopsis floral and vegetative traits.

Abstract

Exploring the geographical and temporal movement of hybrid zones provides practical evidence for conservation biologists investigating the dynamics of species invasions (Buggs 2007). Genetically based clines in floral traits can also help us to understand potential adaptation in responses to climate change. We re-measured floral traits in Ipomopsis in 12 populations along an elevational gradient in Poverty Gulch, Gunnison County that was first measured in 1991 and 1992. Corolla length increased by 4.4 mm on average and corolla width by 0.11mm on average between 1992 and 2015. In a common garden experiment, we also found a genetic and environmental basis for variation in corolla length and anther position. Since there is a genetic component to the variation, the change in corolla length over 23 years could represent an evolutionary change rather than just a response to environment. Unlike corolla length, corolla width did not change systematically over time when supplementary data from additional years were compared. Additionally, anther position varied significantly only at the lower elevational sites between 1992 and 2015. Floral trait variation in this hybrid zone involves a complex assortment of selection mediated by multiple pollinators and varied environmental conditions that may be the cause of differential change in floral traits throughout the cline.

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