DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Ponderosa Pine Migration

据预测，许多物种将在未来几十年改变它们的活动范围，以应对不断变化的气候。虽然人们对气候对物种活动范围的控制了解很多，但对影响活动范围变化的时间、生态或遗传因素知之甚少。该项目将研究黄松在怀俄明州中北部大角盆地的扩张，以了解这些因素。本研究结合了树木年轮分析和分子遗传学工具来评估物种迁移和建立，并揭示了大约500年时间跨度内景观上的种群增长模式。项目数据将用于评估影响种群定植、范围扩展和范围边缘种群长期生存能力的生态和遗传因素。该项目的结果提供了关于气候变化如何影响植物迁移以及这些迁移如何反过来改变地方到区域尺度上的生态系统结构和功能的信息。该项目将通过组织讲习班交流研究成果，促进自然资源管理界与学术界之间的对话。高中生将通过参与该项目获得研究经验和跨学科培训。

Many species are predicted to shift their ranges over the coming decades in response to changing climate. While much is understood about the climatic controls on species' ranges, little is known about the temporal, ecological, or genetic factors that influence range shifts. This project will examine the expansion of ponderosa pine into the Bighorn Basin of north-central Wyoming to gain an understanding of these factors. This study combines tree-ring analysis and molecular genetic tools to assess species migration and establishment and reveal the patterns of population growth over the landscape over a roughly 500 year time span. Project data will be used to evaluate the ecological and genetic factors that influence colonization, range expansion, and long-term viability of populations at their range margins. The results of this project provide information on how climate change may influence plant migrations and how these migrations in turn may alter ecosystem structure and function at local to regional scales. This project will foster dialogue between the natural resource management and academic communities through organization of a workshop to communicate findings. A high school student will gain research experience and interdisciplinary training through participation in the project.