Dissertation Research: The Population Biology of Rarity in the Genus Eupatorium

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The main goal of population biology is to determine the casual basis for species distribution and local abundance. Rare species represent an extreme situation, hence they are a useful system for studying factors that influence abundance. Increasing awareness of conservation issues has generated additional motivation to study cases of rarity and appropriate management practices for rare species, but there is currently no coherent theoretical genetic or ecological framework to address these issues. Eupatorium resinosum (rare) and E. perfoliatum (common) will be used in this study examining ecological and genetic characteristics associated with rarity. Low genetic variation is expected in rare species due to genetic drift. Genetic variation within and among populations will be evaluated by using starch gel electrophoresis. Inbreeding depression and limited range of environmental tolerance are also expected in rare species. A field experiment will be used to evaluate the extent of inbreeding depression. A greenhouse experiment will be used to measure the extent of phenotypic plasticity which in turn influences a species environmental tolerance. Due to the comprehensive design of this study, the information obtained will provide insights into both evolutionary and management aspects of rarity.