Biology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 8-1-2023

Abstract

Polyploidy, or whole genome duplication, is a common phenomenon in plants, but the establishment and persistence of mixed-ploidy populations remains a paradox. This dissertation explores factors that contribute to the persistence and establishment of mixed-ploidy populations in nature. The first chapter investigates the role of unreduced gametes in neopolyploid establishment and finds that variability in their formation rate can have a significant impact on polyploid establishment and persistence. The second chapter searches for evidence of soil microbes exhibiting ploidy-specificity, a pre-condition for microbe-mediated niche differentiation, a possible stabilizing mechanism contributing to ploidy coexistence. Finally, the third chapter tests for microbe-mediated niche differentiation in a mixed-ploidy population of Larrea tridentata. Using a plant-soil feedback experiment this chapter demonstrates that microbe-mediated niche differentiation­­­ can facilitate the coexistence of different ploidy levels. Overall, this dissertation demonstrates there are complex and interrelated factors that contribute to the persistence and establishment of mixed-ploidy populations in nature.

Language

English

Keywords

plant-soil feedback, cytotype, coexistence, unreduced gamete, Larrea tridentata

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Kenneth Whitney

Second Committee Member

Helen Wearing

Third Committee Member

Jennifer Rudgers

Fourth Committee Member

Robert Laport

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