Contemporary climate influence on variability patterns of Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil, a key species in seasonally dry tropical forests

The distribution of many plant species has been shaped by climate changes, and their current phenotypic and genetic variability reflect microclimatically suitable habitats. This study relates contemporary climate to variability patterns of phenotypic traits and molecular markers in the Argentinean distribution of Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil , as well as to identify the most relevant phenotypic trait or molecular marker associated with those patterns. Individuals from four populations in both biogeographic provinces, Paranaense and Yungas, were investigated. Multivariate analyses and multiple linear regressions were carried out to determine relationships among phenotypic traits and nuclear microsatellites, respectively, to climatic variables, and to identify the phenotypic traits as well as nuclear microsatellite loci most sensitive to climate. Two and three clusters of individuals were detected based on genetic and phenotypic data, respectively. Only clusters based on genetic data reflected the biogeographic origin of individuals. Reproductive traits were the most relevant indicators of climatic effects. One microsatellite locus Ac 41.1 appeared to be non-neutral presenting a strong correlation with climate variable temperature seasonality. Our findings show complex patterns of genetic and phenotypic variability in the Argentinean distribution of A. colubrina var. cebil related to the present or contemporary climate, and provides an example for an integrative approach to better understand climate impact on contemporary genetic and phenotypic variability in light of global climate change.