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Population divergence along a genetic line of least resistance in the tree species Eucalyptus globulus
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 20:11 authored by Costa e Silva, J, Bradley PottsBradley Potts, Peter HarrisonPeter HarrisonThe evolutionary response to selection depends on the distribution of genetic variation in traits under selection within populations, as defined by the additive genetic variance-covariance matrix (G). The structure and evolutionary stability of G will thus influence the course of phenotypic evolution. However, there are few studies assessing the stability of G and its relationship with population divergence within foundation tree species. We compared the G-matrices of Mainland and Island population groups of the forest tree Eucalyptus globulus, and determined the extent to which population divergence aligned with within-population genetic (co)variation. Four key wood property traits exhibiting signals of divergent selection were studied-wood density, extractive content, and lignin content and composition. The comparison of G-matrices of the mainland and island populations indicated that the G-eigenstructure was relatively well preserved at an intra-specific level. Population divergence tended to occur along a major direction of genetic variation in G. The observed conservatism of GM, the moderate evolutionary timescale, and close relationship between genetic architecture and population trajectories suggest that genetic constraints may have influenced the evolution and diversification of the E. globulus populations for the traits studied. However, alternative scenarios, including selection aligning genetic architecture and population divergence, are discussed.
Funding
Australian Research Council
History
Publication title
GenesVolume
11Issue
9Article number
1095Number
1095Pagination
1-24ISSN
2073-4425Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
MDPIPlace of publication
SwitzerlandRights statement
Copyright unknownRepository Status
- Restricted