| Abstract: | Twelve inbred strains have been derived from 10 representative populations of the North American annual M. bigelovii. The distribution and correlation of 21 phenotypic characters distinguishing these strains has been studied. The genetic similarity of these strains has been previously determined using nu clear DNA polymorphisms. Genetically similar strains (always geographic near neighbors) share phenotypic character states but these involve different characters in different cases. A few character state differences are correlated across all strains via early rosette growth rate, timing of reproduction, or overall capitulum size. Most character states recombine freely. This is evidence for effective gene flow (probably by achene dispersal) among these isolated populations. |
