Ecological and population genetics of locally rare plants: A review

Abstract

Plant species with limited dispersal ability, narrow geographical and physiological tolerance ranges, as well as with specific habitat and ecological requirements are likely to be rare. Small and isolated populations and species contain low levels of within-population genetic variation in many plant species. The gene pool of plants is a product of phenotype-environment interaction. The effects of inbreeding mating systems, geographical ecotypes, phenotypic plasticity, microhabitat differentiation, and stochasticity on genetic variability in locally rare plants are considered. The emphasis of this review paper is on recapitulation of original data and conclusions of results from a variety of research studies that approach locally rare plants from ecological and population genetics perspectives.

Parent Publication

• Shrubland ecosystem genetics and biodiversity: proceedings

Citation

Lei, Simon A. 2001. Ecological and population genetics of locally rare plants: A review. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Fairbanks, Daniel J., comps. Shrubland ecosystem genetics and biodiversity: proceedings; 2000 June 13-15; Provo, UT. Proc. RMRS-P-21. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 139-142.