Ongoing rapid climate change is predicted to cause local extinction of plant species in mountain regions. However, some could have persisted during Quaternary oscillations without shifting their range, despite the limited evidence from fossils. Here, we tested two candidate mechanisms persistence by comparing macrorefugia and microrefugia (MR) hypotheses. We used rare endemic Saxifraga florulenta as a model taxon combined ensembles distribution models (SDMs) with high-resolution...

A high level of genetic diversity was found in the A. E. Watkins bread wheat landrace collection. Genotypic information used to determine population structure and develop germplasm resources. In 1930s acquired cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) from official channels board Trade London, many which originated local markets 32 countries. The geographic distribution 826 current collection, here called covers Asian European countries some Africa. were genotyped with 41 microsatellite markers order...

Abstract Aim It is hypothesized that the ecological niches of polyploids should be both distinct and broader than those diploids – characteristics might have allowed successful colonization open habitats by during Pleistocene glacial cycles. Here, we test these hypotheses quantifying comparing niche breadths a group European primroses. Location Europe. Methods We gathered georeferenced data four related species in Primula sect. Aleuritia at different ploidy levels (diploid, tetraploid,...

Many ecologically important forest trees from dry areas have been insufficiently investigated for their ability to adapt the challenges posed by climate change, which hampers implementation of mitigation policies. We analyzed 14 common-garden experiments across Mediterranean studied widespread thermophilic conifer Pinus halepensis and involved 157 populations categorized into five ecotypes. Ecotype-specific tree height responses were applied projected change (2071-2100 ad), project potential...

Cold‐adapted taxa are experiencing severe range shifts due to climate change and expected suffer a significant reduction of their climatically suitable habitats in the next few decades. However, it has been proposed that with sufficient standing genetic ecologic diversity will better withstand change. These typically more broadly distributed geographic ecological niche space, therefore they likely endure higher levels populations loss than restricted, less diverse before effects those losses...

Background: The topographic complexity typical of alpine landscapes creates a variety (micro)climatic conditions that may mitigate the effects warming climate on plants via such mechanisms as cold air pooling (CAP).Aims: Our primary objectives were to (1) assess whether landscape potential for CAP predictor improved species distribution models (SDMs) projections and (2) quantify impact microclimate experienced by compared macroclimate.Methods: We selected Maritime Alps our study area,...

Understanding the effects of past climatic fluctuations on distribution and population-size dynamics cold-adapted species is essential for predicting their responses to ongoing global climate change. In spite heterogeneity species, two main contrasting hypotheses have been proposed explain Late Quaternary glacial cycles, namely, interglacial contraction versus expansion hypotheses. Here, we use plant Primula farinosa test demographic models under each alternative a fifth, null model. We...

Abstract Zones of secondary contact between closely related taxa are a common legacy the Quaternary ice ages. Despite their abundance, factors that keep species apart and prevent hybridization often unknown. Here, we study very narrow zone three butterfly Erebia tyndarus complex. Using genomic data, first determined whether gene flow occurs then assessed it might be hampered by differences in chromosome number some species. We found interspecific sibling differ karyotype one chromosome....

Summary Early studies of the textbook mixed‐ploidy system Biscutella laevigata highlighted diploids restricted to never‐glaciated lowlands and tetraploids at high elevations across European Alps, promoting hypothesis that whole‐genome duplication (WGD) is advantageous under environmental changes. Here we addressed long‐held hypotheses on role hybridisation origin tetraploids, their single vs multiple origins, whether a shift in climatic niche accompanied WGD. Climatic modelling together with...

Secondary contact zones are ideal systems to study the processes that govern evolution of reproductive barriers, especially at advanced stages speciation process. An increase in isolation resulting from selection against maladaptive hybrids is thought contribute barrier buildup secondary zones. Although such have been invoked for many systems, it remains unclear which extent they influence zone dynamics nature. Here, we a very narrow between butterfly species Erebia cassioides and tyndarus...

Abstract Cold‐adapted species at high elevations may be especially impacted by global warming since they limited in their capacity to adapt changing conditions or prevented from shifting distributions upwards if no suitable habitats are available. The latter true for Erebia nivalis , a high‐elevation specialist that mainly occurs the Austrian Alps and on few mountaintops Switzerland, where its taxonomic conservation status remains unclear. We aimed clarify relationships among geographically...

Abstract Aim Geographic distribution limits of organisms are often affected by climate, but little is known how the impacts climate evolve within sets related taxa. Here we identified variables most closely associated with low‐elevation limits, optimal elevations, and high‐elevation plant species’ distributions compared evolutionary lability niche values predicting three aspects best. Location Central Alps. Time period Current. Major taxa studied The family Brassicaceae. Methods We modelled...