Elevation-effects on population structure and gene flow of Cardamine cordifolia

This study sought to test hypotheses on the importance of elevation on population differentiation (isolation by environment versus isolation by distance) using 6 populations of Cardamine cordifolia, native to the southern Rocky Mountains. The relationship between population genetics of natural populations of non-model species and elevation-correlated environmental conditions has important implications for predicting the impact of climate change on mountain-dwelling plant species.The study aims were three-fold:1. To determine population structure2. Assess population demographic history3. Map patterns of gene flow between the populations