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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 Harrison
The 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

Genes

Volume

11

Issue

9

Article number

1095

Number

1095

Pagination

1-24

ISSN

2073-4425

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

MDPI

Place of publication

Switzerland

Rights statement

Copyright unknown

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Hardwood plantations; Native forests