Genomic Secrets of 'Imperial Wood' Reveal Climate Vulnerability in China's Prized Nanmu Tree
· newswise.com · popularity 20/100 · 0 similar stories today · Genetics, Genomics & Biotech (Science)
Read the original at newswise.com →
Summary
As global temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift, the fate of Earth's tree species hangs in the balance--yet scientists know surprisingly little about how many endangered trees will fare under future climates. Now, researchers have uncovered the genomic underpinnings of climate adaptation in Phoebe bournei, a near threatened subtropical tree species endemic to China and historically revered as "imperial wood" for its use in royal architecture such as the Forbidden City. By sequencing the genomes of 362 individuals from 27 natural populations across the species' entire range, the team identified key genes linked to drought and heat tolerance and projected which populations face the greatest risk of maladaptation as the climate warms.
Found in: Newswise. Rating basis: single outlet; outlet tier 2 (unlisted); 1 feeds; feed position 4.