Abstract
The most thermophilous species in the arctic archipelago of Svalbard are very rare. Knowledge of the biology, history, and origin of the present Northern outposts of these species is important because northward expansion of Southern species is expected as a result of global warming. Paradoxically, however, the Svalbard populations may need increased protection to ensure longterm survival under the present climate. The project investigates the Svalbard populations and reference populations from other areas of three model species <i>(Betula nana </i>s. lat., <i>Vaccinium uliginosum </i>s. lat., and <i>Campanula rotundifolia </i>s. lat.) for molecular genetic variation (AFLPs, PCR-RFLPs, RAPDs), morphology, and taxonomic relationships. These data will be used to analyse the relationships between these populations and populations from possible source areas to estimate divergence times and immigration routes. The project is a co-operation between the Universities of Oslo and Tromsø and forms part of a larger research effort to strengthen international collaboration on arctic biodiversity and conservation.
Norway