Between ecological and evolutionary frontiers: the autoecology of the moss Bryum argenteum in different Brazilian phytogeographical domains

Abstract

Evolutionary ecology encompasses the disciplines of ecology and evolutionary biology, investigating how interactions between organisms and their environments play a fundamental role in the evolution and shaping of the characteristics of living beings. This study operates on a macroecological scale, investigating the impact of these interactions on large-scale species distribution and diversity patterns. With a specific focus on the moss Bryum argenteum, this project aims to fill a knowledge gap by exploring the ecological aspects of this species across all phytogeographical domains in Brazil, encompassing a diversity of climates and unique environmental gradients. To understand the evolution and adaptation of B. argenteum, we will employ reproductive, ecophysiological and transcriptome analyses. The outlined objectives will cover: 1) Investigate the pattern of reproductive allocation and explore the 'shy male' hypothesis, analyzing how environments will influence phenological development and reproductive isolation between populations from different ecosystems; 2) Explore the ecophysiology of genotypes in response to water and thermal stresses in different Brazilian regions, considering the hypothesis of greater tolerance in genotypes from drier regions due to repeated exposure to these stresses; and 3) Identify genes associated with sexual expression and tolerance to abiotic stresses, investigating possible genes linked to sexual expression in different sexes. This project, in its entirety, will significantly expand our understanding of how large-scale environmental factors will influence the ecology and evolution of B. argenteum. Furthermore, it will contribute substantially to the conservation of biodiversity, providing crucial insights into the species' adaptations to variable environments in various regions of Brazil. (AU)