Habitat‐specific genetic effects on growth rate and morphology across pH and water‐level gradients within a population of the mossSphagnum angustifolium(Sphagnaceae)

Abstract

To study genetic adaptations in bryophytes on small ecological and spatial scales and to assess the adaptive significance of morphological trait variation, genotypes of Sphagnum angustifolium originating from habitats characterized by different pH and height above water table were clonally propagated and grown along the same gradients that exist in the field. Clones from ombrotrophic habitats grew consistently better ombrotrophically than clones from minerotrophic habitats and vice versa, suggesting that the genotypes were adapted to different pH levels. Genetic variation was found in several morphological traits, but habitat-specific genetic effects were detected only in length of spreading branches. Covariation between morphology and growth was generally environmentally induced. Positive and negative cross-environment genetic correlations suggested the presence of constraints on adaptive reaction norm evolution. The indications of small-scale genetic adaptations suggest either selective establishment of genotypes adapted to specific habitats, strong selective forces operating at the later stages of the life cycle, restricted gene flow over short distances, or a combination of these. In contrast to prevailing views, these results indicate that bryophytes are likely to respond genetically to small-scale environmental gradients.