Drivers of Intraspecific Trait Variation and Drought Response of a Dominant US Great Plains Grass: Disentangling the Role of Climate and Genetic Background.

Key Points

• The aim is to understand how climate and genetic factors influence trait variation and drought responses in a dominant grass species in the US Great Plains.
• Examined the role of precipitation in shaping trait responses.
• Analyzed genetic variation among grass specimens under drought conditions.
• Developed predictive frameworks for adaptation to future climate scenarios.
• Drought responses are significantly influenced by genetically based trait variations.
• Precipitation levels are critical in predicting how grasses will adapt to changing climate.
• Findings highlight the importance of genetic background in resilience to drought.