Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Species-wide genomic resequencing in a model of mutualism in extreme environments.

Joshua trees' divergence into two sister taxa (Yucca brevifolia and Y. jaegeriana) has been understood to be driven by their specialized, mutually dependent interaction with sister species of pollinating yucca moths (Tegeticula synthetica and T. antithetica). However, this model mutualism plays out across the harsh conditions of the Mojave Desert, and the trees' adaptation to climate variation across their range has been much less studied than their coevolution with yucca moths. I analyze whole-genome resequencing data collected for hundreds of geographically dispersed Joshua trees to test for evidence of local adaptation to climate, and to compare population divergence driven by climate variation to differentiation attributable to pollinators.

Related Links:
The Joshua Tree Genome Project

1 - California State University Northridge, Biology, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, 91330-8303, USA, 8186772158

Keywords:
coevolution
genome resequencing
Pollination
mutualism
landscape genomics.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: PGG5001
Abstract ID:75
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award