CREPIS

The Mediterranean islands host a remarkable diversity of endemic plant species, many of which are threatened by ongoing environmental changes. Understanding how these species have evolved and adapted to local conditions is crucial for predicting their future responses to climate change and for designing effective conservation strategies. 

Despite their contribution to the biodiversity of Mediterranean islands, little is known about the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape genetic and phenotypic diversity within island endemic plant species. In particular, the roles of historical population dynamics, local adaptation, and phenotypic plasticity in shaping genetic diversity and determining their capacity to cope with environmental variability remain largely unexplored.

This project addresses these gaps by focusing on Crepis triasii, a long-lived perennial plant endemic to the eastern Balearic Islands, using it as a model system to generate transferable knowledge for the conservation of other Mediterranean island endemics. 

ACTIONS

The project will combine genomic, phenotypic, and ecological approaches. We will assess patterns of neutral and adaptive genetic diversity using high-quality genomic resources, including a reference genome and genome-wide molecular markers.

In parallel, phenotypic variation and plastic responses will be characterized through field surveys and controlled experiments, allowing us to evaluate the role of natural selection and local adaptation across environmental gradients. Finally, the results will be integrated to identify populations at risk under future climate scenarios and to provide science-based recommendations for in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, in close collaboration with conservation authorities.

FINANCING

PID2024-157612NB-I00 – CREPIS  - Generación de Conocimiento 2024 - Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación