Biodiversity Consequences of Genetic Variation in Bark Characteristics within a Foundation Tree Species

R C Barbour; L G Forster; S C Baker; Dorothy A Steane; Brad M Potts

doi:10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01247.x

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Biodiversity Consequences of Genetic Variation in Bark Characteristics within a Foundation Tree Species

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Biodiversity Consequences of Genetic Variation in Bark Characteristics within a Foundation Tree Species

R C Barbour, L G Forster, S C Baker, Dorothy A Steane and Brad M Potts

Conservation Biology, Vol.23(5), pp.1146-1155

2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01247.x

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Abstract

Environmental Sciences

Biological Sciences

Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

biodiversity management

community genetics

decorticating-bark

extended phenotype

gene conservation

intraspecific genetic variation

plant-animal interactions

tree-trunk communities

The developing field of community genetics has the potential to broaden the contribution of genetics to conservation biology by demonstrating that genetic variation within foundation plant species can act to structure associated communities of microorganisms, invertebrates, and vertebrates. We assessed the biodiversity consequences of natural patterns of intraspecific genetic variation within the widely distributed Australian forest tree, Eucalyptus globulus. We assessed genetic variation among geographic races of E. globulus (i.e., provenances, seed zones) in the characteristics of tree-trunk bark in a 17-year-old common garden and the associated response of a dependent macroarthropod community. In total, 180 macroarthropod taxa were identified following a collection from 100 trees of five races. We found substantial genetically based variation within E. globulus in the quantity and type of decorticating bark. In the community of organisms associated with this bark, significant variation existed among trees of different races in composition, and there was a two-fold difference in species richness (7-14 species) and abundance (22-55 individuals) among races. This community variation was tightly linked with genetically based variation in bark, with 60% of variation in community composition driven by bark characteristics. No detectable correlation was found, however, with neutral molecular markers. These community-level effects of tree genetics are expected to extend to higher trophic levels because of the extensive use of tree trunks as foraging zones by birds and marsupials. Our results demonstrate the potential biodiversity benefits that may be gained through conservation of intraspecific genetic variation within broadly distributed foundation species. The opportunities for enhancing biodiversity values of forestry and restoration plantings are also highlighted because such planted forests are increasingly becoming the dominant forest type in many areas of the world.

Details

Title: Biodiversity Consequences of Genetic Variation in Bark Characteristics within a Foundation Tree Species
Authors: R C Barbour (Author) - University of Tasmania
L G Forster (Author) - University of Tasmania
S C Baker (Author) - Forestry Tasmania and Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry
Dorothy A Steane (Author) - University of Tasmania
Brad M Potts (Author) - University of Tasmania
Publication details: Conservation Biology, Vol.23(5), pp.1146-1155
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Date published: 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01247.x
ISSN: 0888-8892
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450500902621
Output Type: Journal article

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