ForGenDiv: The influence of forest management on genetic diversity of plant and animal species: a cross-species study

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Whereas genetic diversity is a fundamental level of biodiversity and the basis for adaptation and long-term persistence of species, we still know little about how it is affected by human activities. While the effects of land use on species diversity have been studied to some extent, the genetic diversity of species in managed systems remains largely unexplored, in particular in forest systems. We propose to fill this research gap by investigating how genetic diversity in twenty different plant and invertebrate species varies along a gradient of forest management intensity within the Biodiversity Exploratories. We will contrast responses of genetic diversity between species that vary in their dispersal ability, reproductive mode, and niche specialization. Specifically, we will test the hypotheses that 1) genetic diversity of all species is affected by management intensity, but more so in bad dispersers / specialists / selfers than in good dispersers / generalists / outcrossers; and 2) genetic diversity is related to species diversity within plots of the same management intensity only for some species, but across a gradient of management intensity for all species. Our project will thus contribute to answering two main questions of the Biodiversity Exploratories: what is the influence of land use on biodiversity, and what are the interdependences between different components of biodiversity? To do so, we will collect new DNA samples from ten herb, grass, and fern species, and draw on the existing samples of arthropods for a selection of ten species that vary in life-history traits. We will then use a cost-efficient pooled double-digest RAD-sequencing approach to obtain genome-wide estimates of allele frequencies. We will assess the relationship of both genetic alpha and beta diversity with management intensity, while accounting for confounding factors such as local habitat conditions and habitat connectivity. The large number of studied species, each sampled at many forest plots in the Biodiversity Exploratories initiative, along with a wealth of available data on biotic and abiotic conditions, represents a powerful approach that will enable us to draw robust generalized conclusions.