Ecological genetics of Pinuscontorta in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah

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Abstract
Genetic differentiation of 45 populations of P. contorta primarily from the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains was studied in field, greenhouse, and laboratory test. Analyses of variables reflecting growth potential, morphology, cold hardiness and periodicity of shoot elongation revealed population differentiation for a variety of traits. Regression models related as much as 77% of the variance among population means to the elevation and geographic location of the seed source. For genetic variation to be arranged along relatively steep environmental clines implies pronounced adaptive differentiation. As a result, seed transfer in reforestation should be restricted severely if maladaptation is to be controlled.