Genetic mosaics of ecosystem functioning across aspen-dominated landscapes.

摘要: Genetic diversity is the foundation of all biodiversity, and genetic variation within species increasingly recognized as being important to ecosystem level processes. Recent research demonstrates that plant genotype influences above- belowground communities well basic functions. However, extent which genotypes create spatial mosaics genetically mediated processes in natural forests uncertain. We use Populus tremuloides a model system demonstrate importance on carbon nitrogen cycling systems. identified 24 distinct P. clones with multiple ramets across 25 km(2) southern Wisconsin, United States, using microsatellite makers. then sampled clone leaf chemistry nutrient content microbial extracellular enzyme activity. Aspen-induced content, activity, varied widely among clones. Variation green activity were correlated distance clones, such more distant created divergent patches These data suggest aspen functioning landscapes can therefore have evolutionary consequences for co-occurring species.