DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/59BK-RV44
Defense Date
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Andrew J. Eckert, Ph.D.
Abstract
Hybridization has played a long-standing role in the evolution of both plant and animal species and allows for the sharing of genetic information between lineages. Here, potential hybridization of a species endemic to the Appalachian Mountains, Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens), and pitch pine (Pinus rigida) was investigated along an elevational gradient, through the use of phenotypic measurements: cone length, cone width, and needle length. Phenotypes were used to identify hybrids in a three-tiered elevational sampling method at two sites in Shenandoah National Park with the use of linear discriminant analysis. It was found that hybridization between Table Mountain and pitch pine is relatively rare and varied by site and elevation. It was hypothesized that this lack of hybridization is due to environmental factors, which was further tested through use of climate data. The site where hybridization was highest was cooler and wetter. These factors may impact the pollen release of the focal species, causing overlap in pollen release timing and female cone receptivity, leading to increased instances of hybridization.
Rights
© Alexander L. Brown
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-13-2021