Plant populations at the edge of species’ distribution range: Characterization of central versus peripheral population traits

Abstract

Related to the ongoing climate change, more and more attention has been paid on small sized, range edge populations. These populations are not only geographically marginal, but they usually live at the limits of their ecological tolerance and therefore have higher ecological plasticity. While these range edge populations may play primarily role in the reorganized biomes during the climate change the study on the morphological-phenological traits and population diversity as well as evolutionary history are prioritized. Distribution of many plant species native to the south-eastern regions of Europe extends towards the plains and mountainous areas of Central Asia. Our comparative studies including Plantago maxima, Rhodiola rosea and Tulipa sylvestris aim at detecting specific traits and diversity patterns of populations living on distant geographic sites, or at central versus peripheral locations.