Evaluating Intraspecific Variation and Environmental Heterogeneity to Identify Seed Sources and Conservation Corridors

Intraspecific variation of tree species demography can be identified via evolutionary lineages, or alternatively by differentiating leading cold-zone regions from trailing warm-zone regions. Matching seed sources with appropriate environmental conditions can be assisted by an understanding of how intra-species evolutionary lineages and climatic regions are associated differentially with environmental heterogeneity. In this webinar, using eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) as an example, Anantha Prasad evaluates current and future habitat-fitness and colonization potential of intraspecific genetic zones from inferred evolutionary lineages. Zones that harbor glacial refugia offer seed sources that can be useful under changing climates. He also illustrates how the colonization of suitable habitats can be modeled opportunistically in the landscape to identify potential future conservation corridors. He explains how differences in demography between leading warm-zone and trailing cold-zone are related to environmental heterogeneity and can be mapped for further insights.