Interspecific Variation in Cone and Seed Morphology of Larix Species in the Khentii Mountains of Mongolia

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6463-837-0_8How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Larix gmelinii; Larix czekanowskii; Larix sibirica; cone morphology; seed morphometrics; Larch; Khentii Mountains; Mongolia

Abstract

Interspecific differences in cone and seed morphology between three Larch species, Larix sibirica, Larix gmelinii, and Larix czekanowskii, in the Khentii Mountains of Mongolia are investigated in this study over six years (2016–2021). We collected 1620 cone samples and related seed from nine study areas. Measurements and statistical analyses were performed on morphometric characteristics, such as cone length, width, scale number, seed size, wing morphology, and germination potential. The findings revealed that all attributes under investigation exhibited substantial interspecific differences (p < 0.001). L. sibirica demonstrated the highest germination rates and the largest cone and seed diameters, indicating its robust capacity for regeneration. L.gmelinii showed the tiniest and most homogeneous cones and seeds, suggesting genetic stability and adaptation to cold, dry conditions. The natural hybrid Larix czekanowskii exhibited variable and intermediate features, indicating that it could be utilized for seed selection and afforestation in a changing climate. The morphological distinction at the species level was further confirmed by cluster analysis. With ramifications for seed zone delineation, forest regeneration planning, and conservation strategies in Mongolia’s boreal forest ecosystems, these findings offer crucial insights into the ecological flexibility and genetic diversity of Larch species.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Ariunbaatar Tumurbaatar
AU  - Lyankhua Bayasgalankhuu
AU  - Tuvshinsanaa Enkhbat
AU  - Jamiyansuren Sandagdorj
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/09/17
TI  - Interspecific Variation in Cone and Seed Morphology of Larix Species in the Khentii Mountains of Mongolia
BT  - Proceedings of the International Biological Conference in Mongolia 2025 (IBCM 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 104
EP  - 118
SN  - 2468-5747
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-837-0_8
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6463-837-0_8
ID  - Tumurbaatar2025
ER  -