Polymorphisms and environment: The adaptive value of the oil polymorphisms in thymus vulgaris L

Abstract

The present study shows that correlations exist between chemotype polymorphism, sexual polymorphism and the environment. These correlations fall into three categories: 1. a fairly tight correlation exists between soil type and chemotype structure of the thyme populations growing on it; with a soil change, a predictible chemotypic change occurs. 2. There is a clear correlation between a stable environment and low genetic diversity; conversely, in disturbed areas, high genetic diversity exists as indicated by higher outcrossing rates and high levels of chemotype diversity. 3. Thyme uses a strategy of low dispersal which allows, through individual selection, the precise specialisation of each population to its environment. © 1986 The Genetical Society of Great Britain.