Genetic Diversity and Ecogeographical Niche Overlap Among Hybridising Ox‐Eye Daisies (Leucanthemum, Asteraceae) in the Carpathian Mountains: The Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbances

• Published in: Molecular ecology 2025-01, Vol.34 (1), p.e17581-n/a
• Main Authors: Konowalik, Kamil, Tomasello, Salvatore, Urbaniak, Jacek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Altitude; anthropogenic disturbance; Anthropogenic factors; Asteraceae - genetics; Biodiversity; Carpathians; Central Europe; Climate Change; Clustering; DArTseq; Ecosystem; Ecosystems; endemic; Environmental changes; Genetic analysis; Genetic diversity; Genetic Variation; Genetics, Population; Genotype; Genotyping; Geographical distribution; Habitat availability; Human impact; Human influences; hybridisation; Hybridization; Hybridization, Genetic; Hybrids; Leucanthemum; Migratory species; Mountain ecosystems; Mountain environments; mountain plants; Mountain regions; Mountains; Niche overlap; Niches; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Single-nucleotide polymorphism; Species; Species diversity; Vertical distribution
• ISSN: 0962-1083; 1365-294X; 1365-294X
• DOI: 10.1111/mec.17581

ABSTRACT Climate change and human influence are transforming mountain ecosystems, significantly impacting species distributions and biodiversity. Among these changes, the upward migration of lowland species into mountain regions stands out. This study examines the ecogeographical niche overlap and genetic diversity among three Leucanthemum species distributed along an altitudinal gradient in the Carpathian Mountains: the lowland L. ircutianum (4x), the montane L. rotundifolium (2x) and the alpine L. gaudinii (2x). By genotyping over 600 individuals using SNP analysis, followed by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), Neighbour‐Net Network and Structure clustering, we reveal not just distinct genetic groups but also hybridisation across all species, suggesting the potential for triple hybrids. Genetic admixture is further supported by environmental background and niche overlap analyses that reveal substantial overlap among species, particularly in line with their vertical distribution. Climate envelope plots indicate a likely reduction in available habitat for mountainous species due to climate change, leading to an increase in competition and an intensification of hybridisation. Anthropogenic influences are further intensifying these hybridisation trends. Among the studied species, L. gaudinii is most at risk of overwhelming hybridisation, whereas L. ircutianum may experience habitat expansion. By providing a comprehensive genetic and ecological overview, our research highlights the significance of hybridisation in biodiversity conservation and the challenges posed by environmental changes and anthropogenic activities in mountain environments. This study not only contributes to the understanding of genetic diversity in the Carpathians but also underscores the broader implications for molecular ecology and conservation strategies in mountain ecosystems. ABSTRAKT Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia badania nad nakładaniem się nisz eko‐geograficznych oraz zmiennością genetyczną trzech gatunków jastrunów (Leucanthemum) występujących w Karpatach. Są to: nizinny jastrun zapoznany (L. ircutianum, 4x), reglowy jastrun okrągłolistny (L. rotundifolium, 2x), oraz górski jastrun alpejski (L. gaudinii, 2x). Poprzednie badania wykazały hybrydyzację pomiędzy jastrunem okrągłolistnym i alpejskim, jednakże nasze analizy pokazują, że hybrydyzacja ma znacznie szerszy zasięg i dotyczy wszystkich trzech gatunków, włączając w to potencjalne krzyżowanie się pomiędzy utworzonymi hybryd