Evaluating the contribution of maternal effects to population differentiation in an herbaceous plant

母亲可以通过简单的遗传传递之外的机制影响其后代的特征，这种母性效应可以作为对当地环境条件的适应。然而，尚不清楚母体效应是否对适应性进化有广泛的贡献。本项目将以Campanulastrum americum为模型系统，评估母系效应是否有助于种群分化。该研究将结合在纬度梯度上进行的观察和操作实地研究，以确定种群中寿命变化的哪些部分是由于母亲遗传变异、代内遗传变异或两者的结合。对环境变化的有效响应需要对自然种群适应的进化机制有更好的了解。这项研究将评估母系效应在适应性进化中的作用是否比目前所认识到的更大。这项研究包括对开花时间的研究，这是特别有趣的，因为大范围的模式表明开花时间提前是对当代变暖气候的反应。该项目将增加对变暖气候下开花时间潜在演变的理解。该项目包括为公众开发教育演示和展览，以及在科学研究和公众宣传方面培训本科生、研究生和博士后研究员。

Mothers can influence the traits of their offspring through mechanisms beyond simple genetic transmission, and such maternal effects can serve as adaptations to local environmental conditions. However, it is not known whether maternal effects contribute broadly to adaptive evolution. This project will evaluate whether maternal effects contribute to population differentiation using the plant Campanulastrum americanum as a model system. The research will integrate observational and manipulative field studies conducted across a latitudinal gradient to determine what portions of variation among populations in life-span are due to maternal genetic variation, within-generation genetic variation, or a combination of the two. Effective response to environmental change requires improved understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms that underlie adaptation in natural populations. This research will evaluate whether maternal effects have a larger role in adaptive evolution than is currently recognized. This research includes study of flowering time, which is of particular interest because broad-scale patterns indicate earlier flowering in response to contemporary warming climates. The project will increase understanding of the potential evolution of flowering time in warming climates. The project includes development of educational presentations and exhibits for the general public, as well as training of undergraduates, graduate students and a post-doctoral researcher in both scientific research and public outreach.