Patterns of variation of a common fern (Athyrium filix-femina; Woodsiaceae): population structure along and between altitudinal gradients

Genetic variability of Athyrium filix-femina populations was evaluated with regard to phenotypic, allozyme, and RAPD variation in 20 Swiss populations along five altitudinal gradients at four different elevations in the northern Swiss Alps. Additionally, allozyme and phenotypic variations in one Italian and two Spanish populations were compared with the variation in the Swiss populations. We hypothesized that there will be statistically significant genetic differences among populations of different altitudes and sites. The results showed no substantial correlation between genetic variation and phenotypic variation among Swiss populations. These results imply that outbreeding and effective gene exchange (long-distance spore dispersal) are the keys to population structure in this fern species, and as a consequence, phenotypic plasticity is assumed to be favored. This contrasts with results found in similar studies of herbaceous flowering plants where genetic adaptation to gradients like altitude is common. However, when data from the more distant Italian and Spanish populations of A. filix-femina were included, significant variation was detected.