Elevational divergence and clinal variation in floral color and leaf chemistry in Silene vulgaris

摘要: Premise of study Environmental heterogeneity over a species range can lead to divergent selection among populations, leading phenotypic differences. The plant flavonoid pathway controls key reproductive and defense-related traits responds environmental stressors, allowing for hypotheses about divergence across gradients. We hypothesized that with increasing elevation, more flavonoids would be produced as response increased UV radiation plants better defended against herbivores. Methods measured floral color, flavonoids, herbivory in natural populations Silene vulgaris (Caryophyllaceae) along elevational transects the French Alps. correlated phenotypes variables calculated genotypic (FST) compare (PST). Key results found significant variation S. Strong positive correlations were observed between leaf non-anthocyanidin concentration, elevation. Floral anthocyanin negatively covaried temperature precipitation seasonality. Comparisons PST FST provided evidence stabilizing on color gradient. Conclusions Flavonoid production increases gradients vulgaris, clinal calyx anthocyanins non-anthocyanin concentrations. Despite photoprotective antiherbivore properties some flowers leaves was population microclimatic variables: precipitation. Taken together, suggest different groups are targeted by tissues provide patterns high low elevations.