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Habitat Requirements and Evolution of Agrostis Rossiae Vasey, a Grass Endemic to Thermal Soils in Yellowstone National Park

EPA Grant Number: U915807
Title: Habitat Requirements and Evolution of Agrostis Rossiae Vasey, a Grass Endemic to Thermal Soils in Yellowstone National Park
Investigators: Tercek, Michael T.
Institution: Tulane University of Louisiana
EPA Project Officer: Broadway, Virginia
Project Period: August 1, 2000 through August 1, 2003
Project Amount: $66,900
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2000)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Ecology and Ecosystems , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration

Description:

Objective:

The goals of the research project are to: (1) use genetic markers to determine the phylogenetic relationship between Agrostis rossiae and closely related congeners, thus determining whether A. scabra and A. rossiae are sister taxa; (2) determine whether A. rossiae is a valid, monophyletic taxon or an ecotype; (3) explain the geographic distribution of A. rossiae in terms of ecological variables and determine the reasons for its endemism; and (4) calculate levels of gene flow between A. rossiae populations and between A. rossiae and co-occurring A. scabra.

Approach:

Measurements of soil temperature, moisture, and chemical composition will be combined with common garden and greenhouse experiments to determine the ecological factors responsible for the geographic separation of A. rossiae and A. scabra. RAPDs will be used for the phylogeny and gene flow calculations.

Expected Results:

Populations of A. rossiae are potentially threatened by invasive plant species. It is important to know if A. rossiae is a valid taxon, worthy of conservation effort. Documented cases of parallel evolution are rare, and should it be found that A. rossiae has arisen more than once in different thermal communities, this study will be interesting from a theoretical standpoint. Determination of the ecological factors responsible for the restricted distribution of A. rossiae will aid any conservation efforts and/or explain the reasons for its divergence from A. scabra.

Supplemental Keywords:

Agrostis rossiae, Agrostis scabra, Yellowstone National Park, endemic species, Poaceae, Gramineae, RAPDs, gene flow, ecotype, ecotypic differentiation, parallel evolution, sympatric speciation. , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Habitat, Biology, Ecology and Ecosystems, Geochemistry, conservation biology, invasive plant species, Yellowstone National Park, Agrostis rossiae, genetic markers, sympathetic speciation, habitat parameters, parallel evolution

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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