The role of reproductive systems, hybridization, and symbiosis in the evolution and long-term survival of vascular plants in a rocky environment (APVV-22-0365, years 2023-2027)
PI Marek Slovák
Background
Non-forest rocky habitats represent ecological islands within the surrounding landscape, and despite their challenging environmental conditions, they are biodiversity hotspots, harboring exceptional species diversity and a high proportion of relic and endemic species. Nevertheless, due to their high inaccessibility, rocky plant species have received far less attention than their counterparts in adjacent ecosystems. Consequently, the mechanisms and factors underlying their adaptability and evolution have remained elusive, despite the fact that this knowledge is crucial for their conservation and long-term survival, particularly in light of global climatic changes. We investigate the significance of selected intrinsic and extrinsic traits on long-lived shrubby species of the genus Daphne (Thymelaeaceae) as a model system. We hope that our investigation will provide novel information not only about the target species but also on the evolution and adaptation of rock-dwelling species to the challenging environment of mid-elevation altitudinal rocky habitats in the temperate zone. We believe that the project’s outcomes will provide critical information for addressing conservation strategies and, thus, ensuring the long-term survival of these valuable and rare species of European flora.
If it does not challenge you, it does not change you: legacy of substrate opportunities on microecology of symbiotic organisms (VEGA 2/0046/25, years 2025-2028)
PI Zuzana Fačkovcová
Background
Traditional view of lichens as a consortium of fungus and photosynthesizing algae, or cyanobacteria has changed substantially. Besides stabile, major partners, it includes other components constituting a system of diverse assamblages of microorganisms. Combining the Sanger and high throughput sequencing, we aim to explore lichens in their entirety and their environments to learn about their microecology in terms of associations of biological composition of thalli linked to substrate. We aim to find out how and to what extent the geochemistry of rocky substrates influences the composition of major bionts and assemblages of associated microrganisms. We will discover and compare the microecology of intrathalline bionts in lichen samples growing on major and on alternative („outlying“) bedrock in terms of diversity. We will also obtain information about the ability of lichens to adapt to environmental changes resulting from their translocation to areas with different bedrock in a microecological context. The model systems are saxicolous (rock-dwelling) lichens of the genus Solenopsora (Leprocaulaceae), with a focus on S. candicans and S. vulturiensis.
Living on the edge. Evolutionary and bioecological aspects of narrow endemic Daphne arbuscula Čelak. (Thymelaeaceae) inhabiting extreme rocky habitats (VEGA 2/0098/22, years 2022-2025).
PI Jaromír Kučera
Background
The project is focused on the reconstruction of evolutionary, genetic and ecological aspects of the West Carpathian stenoendemic, extreme habitats dwelling species Daphne arbuscula, (Thymelaeaceae). We focus on the identification of species traits, which can be crucial for its adaptation and survival in these specific sites. To uncover the genetic structure, phylogeographic history, level of clonality or associations between genetic diversity and seed production in Daphne arbuscula, we use a genomic, NGS based RAD-sequencing method accompanied by karyological and ecological analyzes. We analyze arbuscular mycorrhiza assemblages asociated with D. arbuscula, which might play a pivotal role in adaptation to extreme habitats. The project will shed more light on the factors and processes responsible for its adaptation and survival in an ecologically highly challenging environment. It will also serve as an excellent platform for its effective legislative protection and restoration programs.
Návratová projektová schéma SAV pre rodičov po návrate z materskej a/alebo rodičovskej dovolenky
Unraveling the drivers of within-species variation and diversification in plant species with restricted distribution ranges)
Andrea Melichárková
1.7.2024 / 30.6.2025
Rare species with highly restricted distribution ranges (endemics) are critical components of global biodiversity. Understanding their evolution and diversification drivers is paramount for biologists and ecologists. This project investigates the evolutionary factors contributing to genetic diversification at a microevolutionary scale (within-species level), focusing on the endemic plant species Picris cyprica Lack (Compositae) in southern Turkey and Cyprus coastal habitats. Despite relatively high genetic variability, population-level patterns and the drivers responsible for this variation remain enigmatic. By utilizing a combination of methodological approaches, including genomics, we seek to uncover intrinsic and extrinsic factors that have led to the unique within-species variability and potential evolution of novel entities (taxa).