Whole genome duplication increases ecological niche breadth of the perennial herb Urtica dioica

Environmental niche modelling and associated species distribution models often ignore intraspecific ecological differentiation linked with ploidal differentiation, i.e. the occurrence of several cytotypes same species. Here we tested hypotheses that (i) tetraploid (4x) cytotype is characterized by a broader than diploid (2x), (ii) at regional scale can serve as proxy measure for smaller landscape in Urtica dioica, perennial herbaceous plant two prevailing (2x 4x). We focused on southern Moravia (Czech Republic), an area high diversity vegetation types both U. dioica. To explore geographical distribution, preferences habitat affinities plants, collected individuals different spatial scales: (~1200 km2) (9.1 km2). used flow cytometry to determine ploidy level all plants determined space. also compared plants. Analyses revealed 93 diploids 325 tetraploids (regional scale: 42 diploids, 85 tetraploids; 51 240 tetraploids). Diploid occurred only wetter parts this pattern was very similar scales. In contrast, along whole moisture gradient Diploids differed their affinities. While relatively more frequently alluvial wet forests, managed broadleaved meadows, wetlands riverbanks, preferred oak oak-hornbeam ravine actively human settlements vineyards. Our data clearly show between have broad tolerance consequently wide occur narrow range conditions restricted areas shallow water table bottoms valleys. Thus, confirmed many species, should be included environmental models.