ecotype

views updated May 11 2018

ecotype A locally adapted population of a widespread species. Such populations show minor changes of morphology and/or physiology, which are related to habitat and are genetically induced. Nevertheless they can still reproduce with other ecotypes of the same species. Heavy-metal-tolerant ecotypes of common grasses (e.g. Agrostis tenuis) are an example.

Ecotype

views updated Jun 08 2018

Ecotype

A recognizable geographic variety, population, or ecological race of a widespread species that is equivalent to a taxonomic subspecies. Typically, ecotypes are restricted to one habitat and are recognized by distinctive characteristics resulting from adaptations to local selective pressures and isolation. For example, a population or ecotype of species found at the foot of a mountain may differ in size, color, or physiology from a different ecotype living at higher altitudes, thus reflecting a sharp change in local selective pressures. Members of an ecotype are capable of interbreeding with other ecotypes within the same species without loss of fertility or vigor.

ecotype

views updated May 29 2018

ecotype A locally adapted population of a widespread species. Such populations show minor changes of morphology and/or physiology, which are related to habitat and are genetically induced. Nevertheless they can still reproduce with other ecotypes of the same species. Heavy-metal-tolerant ecotypes of common grasses such as Agrostis tenuis are an example.

ecotype

views updated Jun 27 2018

ecotype A locally adapted population of a widespread species. Such populations show minor changes of morphology and/or physiology, which are related to habitat and are genetically induced. Nevertheless they can still reproduce with other ecotypes of the same species.

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