Genetic differentiation of life‐history traits within populations of the clonal plant Ranunculus reptans

摘要: We tested the hypothesis that environmental heterogeneity can maintain genetic variation in life-history traits within populations of clonal plant Ranunculus reptans. This may be important for further evolution and potential adaptation to change. Moreover, we asked what extent also reveal trade-offs among fitness components, particular between sexual reproduction growth. In natural habitat R. reptans two distinct types environment often found 10 m distance: vegetation-sparse zones close water (“lake”) competition with grasses (mostly Agrostis stolonifera) more inland (“land”). grew vegetative offspring 16 land genotypes lake from four a room. Cuttings each genotype were grown without by grass A. stolonifera on different substrates, sand gravel. considerable (E) (G) traits. Competition strongly reduced growth, branching, flowering, final biomass. Lake invested into (measured as proportion ramets flowered), whereas (proportion rooted ramets). Significant G×E interactions consistent home-away effect: land-genotypes performed better if under competition, lake-genotypes competition. These results indicate phenotypic plasticity are maintained heterogeneous environment, thereby supporting main stated above. They demonstrate differentiation occurs even over very short distances (10 m). significant trade-off (negative correlation flowering response supplementary question posed above, this suggests finds its correspondence “genetic integration” phenotype