Adaptive evolution in plant populations

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My research explores how evolution can occur rapidly in plant populations. Specifically, I aim to understand (1) how evolutionary processes (hybridization, selection) and properties (mating systems, genetic diversity) affect the ecological function of plant populations (reproduction, extinction) and (2) the ecological mechanisms regulating genetic diversity, phenotypic evolution, and demography in rare and invasive plants. Over the next five years, I will: 1) examine responses of plant mating patterns and trait evolution to variation in climate; 2) determine the predictability of evolutionary trajectories of hybrid populations; and 3) explore the effects of environmental sorting on genotypic diversity.Scientific Approach - Using native and invasive plant species, we will use a combination of quantitative literature reviews, manipulative field experiments and common gardens in the Great Lakes region. Novelty - To my knowledge, this will be the first assessment of the response of plant hybridization rates toabiotic conditions, and represents one of the few experimental natural selection programs involving flowering plants. Further, we have limited empirical evidence from field experiments on how global warming will impact the distribution and abundance of weeds and no information on the potential for weed evolutionary responses to elevated temperatures. Finally, information regarding the predictability of hybrid evolution is entirely lacking but especially important in the context of the evolution of invasive or weedy species.Expected Significance - The proposed research is innovative in two primary respects: 1) it offers insights into broad questions in evolutionary biology such as the interaction between genetic diversity and novel environmental conditions, limits to adaptation, and the consequences of altered rates of evolution in coevolved communities of crops and weedy plants; and 2) it will initiate new research in the long standing debate regarding the role of hybridization in plant evolution, an important but understudied evolutionary process.