Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Evolution in arctic clonal plants  (EVA)

Outline
The biodiversity of polar plants consists mainly of perennial plants which very often possess some form of clonal propagation as well as sexual reproduction by seeds. Both ways of reproduction requires resources. The individual plant has, thus, the possibility of allocating resources to the two different reproductive ways. If resources are allocated to seed production, maintenance of genetic diversity is possible. If allocation mainly goes to vegetative propagation, genetic diversity may decrease and the potential to adapt to climate changes may decrease as well.Experiments on effects of climate change i.e. enhanced temperatures, increased nutrient availability and shading, have been performed on arctic plant populations. Further, studies on genetic variation within and among populations of arctic plants have been undertaken. Both types of investigation give some idea of the actual and potential capacity for vegetation response to climate change.Evolution works, however, on genets (genetically unique individuals) and the future adaptation of a species to climate change depends on the capacity of the genets to cope and evolve with the environmental changes. The important question is, therefore, the degree of heritability (genetic variation) of key processes in each species. The variation among genets in their response to different environmental factors composes the response of the population. If the heritability is low, i.e. a narrow response to climate changes, evolution will probably be slow or not possible. Whereas, if the heritability is high, i.e. a broad response to climate changes, the species will be able to adapt quickly to the new conditions.The present proposal will use genets as the basic unit. Genets are identified by genomic-techniques. On the genetically identified individuals, key functional processes such as annual biomass production, photosynthetic performance, water relations, mycorrhizal associations together with allocation to sexual and asexual reproduction will be measured. These measurements will be carried out in a number of dominant clonal species of arctic communities in three scenarios. 1. along climatic gradients. 2. in plots subjected to different experimentally imposed long-term environmental changes. 3. in phytotrons, where the genets will be subjected to controlled environmental conditions. By these procedures we will be able to quantify the degree of heritability in productivity and allocation to seed production and vegetative shoots. This will provide knowledge of the potential for evolution of the arctic species when exposed to specific climatic changes.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project includes aspects of biodiversity (Theme 1) in clonal arctic plants. It works on the variability of functional traits (Theme 4) by means of field work in Greenland and northern Sweden and by experiments under controlled conditions. It builds on long term manipulative experiments carried out on arctic species (Theme 2). The purpose of the suggested project is to provide knowledge of the potential for evolution in arctic clonal plants in response to climate change (Theme 4).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project will be carried out in collaboration with University of Oslo and University of Iceland.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Zackenberg Station, GreenlandArctic Station, Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn), GreenlandAbisko Scientific Station, N. Sweden

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/07-08/07      07/08-08/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Existing Field StationsHelicopters readily shared with other projects

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
NO

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
YES - Generel project endorsement by the Danish National Committee for IPY (IPY ref. #: 4817-03)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
YES

The core of the project is new.This project is, however, a continuation of studies carried out earlier, partly under the Nordic Arctic Research Programme.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project is managed by Marianne Philipp in collaboration with Anders Michelsen (University of Copenhagen), Inger Nordal (University of Oslo) and Thora Ellen Thorhallsdottir (University of Iceland).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The data from the project will be positioned on a specific homepage

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will be funded by applying national funding agencies

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Marianne Philipp
University of Copenhagen, Institute of Biology
Universitetsparken 15
2100 Copenhagen Ø
Denmark

Tel: 45 3532 2277
Mobile: 45 2064 4896
Fax: 45 3532 2321
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation