How functional traits may constrain the geographic distribution of Epidendrum fulgens (Orchidaceae) along an environmental gradient?

• Grant number: 22/07600-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Fábio Pinheiro
• Grantee: Welington Luis Sachetti Júnior
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Understanding how the limitation in the geographic distribution of species occurs is essential for a better understanding of ecology and evolution. From this, the Center-Periphery Hypothesis (HCP) assumes that populations located in the central portions of a species' distribution have a greater population density, greater reproductive success and greater genetic variability, while the opposite is expected for populations found in the periphery, as these are under more stressful conditions due to the more extreme climate, making them more vulnerable to climatic fluctuations. From the analysis of photosynthesis, functional attributes (foliar and floral and physiological anatomical) of E. fulgens (Orchidaceae) populations distributed in a climatic gradient, it will be possible to better understand how this species responds to different environmental pressures, helping in a better understanding of the climatic effects on the species, given the imminent change in climate, in addition to contributing to decision making involving the conservation of E. fulgens.