Understanding metapopulation dynamics requires knowledge about local population dynamics and movement in both space and time. Most genetic metapopulation studies use one or two study species across the same landscape to infer population dynamics; however, using multiple co-occurring species allows for testing of hypotheses related to different life history strategies. We used genetic data to study dispersal, as measured by gene flow, in three ambystomatid salamanders (, , and ) and the Central Newt () on the same landscape in Missouri, USA. While all four salamander species are forest dependent organisms that require fishless ponds to reproduce, they differ in breeding phenology and spatial distribution on the landscape. We use these differences in life history and distribution to address the following questions: (1) Are there species-level differences in the observed patterns of genetic diversity and genetic structure? and (2) Is dispersal influenced by landscape resistance? We detected two genetic clusters in and on our landscape; both species breed in the fall and larvae overwinter in ponds. In contrast, no structure was evident in and , species that breed during the spring. Tests for isolation by distance were significant for the three ambystomatids but not for . Landscape resistance also contributed to genetic differentiation for all four species. Our results suggest species-level differences in dispersal ability and breeding phenology are driving observed patterns of genetic differentiation. From an evolutionary standpoint, the observed differences in dispersal distances and genetic structure between fall breeding and spring breeding species may be a result of the trade-off between larval period length and size at metamorphosis which in turn may influence the long-term viability of the metapopulation. Thus, it is important to consider life history differences among closely related and ecologically similar species when making management decisions.
AbstractSenescence is ubiquitous yet highly variable among species, populations, and individuals, for reasons that are poorly understood. It is not clear how environmental conditions affect senescence, especially in the wild. We explored the influence of environment on the degree of laying date age-specific variation and reproductive success senescence in wild blue tits.
Diet selection and composition of sheep target grazing plains larkspur ( Greene) in northern mixed-grass prairie were evaluated during a drought year (2022). Thirteen Rambouillet ewes (3-to 6-year-old, body weight (BW) 76 kg ± 2.9), 14 Dorper ewes (3-to 6-year-old, BW 47 kg ± 1.
Background: In the arid conditions of Thar desert, only the plants which are adapted to the extreme conditions can grow and reproduce. Rangelands are important fodder resources which are needed to be improved for their long-term productivity and sustainability through conservation and utilization of indigenous plant species (Lasiurus sindicus, Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus setigerus, etc.).
Understanding phenology and its regulation is central for the agronomic adaptation of chickpea. We grew 24 chickpea genotypes in 12 environments to analyse: the environmental and genotypic drivers of phenology; associations between phenology and yield; and phenotypes associated with allelic variants of three flowering related candidate loci: CaELF3a; a cluster of three FT genes on chromosome 3; and an orthologue of the floral promoter GIGANTEA on chromosome 4. A simple model with 3 genotype-specific parameters explained the differences in flowering response to daylength.
Controlled environment farming (CEF) systems, including tunnel houses, glasshouses, and vertical farms, are expanding worldwide. As the industry scales, growers need a broader range of crops that are adapted to CEF systems to take full advantage of the potential to increase yields and decrease weather-related risks. Dwarf grapevines (microvines) are ideal candidates for CEF due to their high economic value, phenotype, and phenology.
