Mating system and niche breadth in sister species of Erythronium in the Pacific Northwest: a study using Ecological Niche Modelling
Date
2022
Authors
Quayle, Spencer
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Abstract
Ecological niche models were used to compare the climatic niche breadths of Erythronium oregonum & Erythronium revolutum, sister species in the family Liliaceae native to western North America. The former is more outcrossing, while the latter is more inclined to self-pollinate. Herbarium records and iNaturalist data were compiled and fed into the niche modelling software Maxent. Analysis of the output reveals that the selfer, E. revolutum, occupies a broader niche than the outcrosser, E. oregonum. Further niche characterization demonstrates that the two sisters are divided in their climatic preferences and constraints, with E. revolutum favouring cooler, wetter, and less seasonal conditions. Possible reasons for this difference in niche breadth are discussed, although much historical, genetic, and biotic context remains open to further research.