Seema Sheth

Throughout history, humans have relied on understanding the evolution and ecology of plants, which form the basis of all life on Earth. Climate change is threatening plants across the planet. One way that plants can persist in the face of changing climate is by adapting to new conditions. Understanding the abilities of plant populations to adapt to environmental change can improve our ability to prioritize biological groups of conservation concern, forecast vulnerability to climate change, and predict the rate of spread of invasive species. This project focuses on the processes that facilitate or constrain adaptation to novel conditions such as those beyond species geographic range edges or those that have arisen due to climatic changes. Specifically, this work will examine rapid adaptation to climate change within multiple populations across the scarlet monkeyflower’s (Mimulus cardinalis) geographic range. Aside from providing a comprehensive understanding of constraints to adaptation, this work will provide numerous training and mentoring opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral associates.