Meeting Abstract

P1.65  Tuesday, Jan. 4  Genetic and evolutionary processes of biological invasion CARDALL, BL; GITLIN, AR; WALKER, FM; DURBEN, RM; SMITH, DS; AVERY, L; JAFFE, BD; DUDLEY, T; MOBLEY, KB; ALLAN, GJ; WHITHAM, TG; SHUSTER, SM*; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University; Univ. of California, Santa Barbara; Umea University, Sweden; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University rmd6@nau.edu

This poster summarizes the individual and collaborative research of Brian Layton Cardall, whose doctoral dissertation aimed to understand how genetic variation in foundation species is influenced by invasive species and climate change, and how this understanding could inform conservation and restoration efforts in our changing world. Foundation species structure their ecosystems by creating locally stable conditions and providing specific resources for diverse organisms. The developing field of community genetics considers community and ecosystem phenotypes resulting from genetic interactions among species, wherein genetic variation within foundation species influences population structure and ecological function in dependent community members. Foundation species can become rare if subjected to adverse climate and invasive species. Effective conservation efforts must therefore consider genetic variation in foundation species, since it impacts the habitat quality and sustainability of greater biotic communities.