Pioneer species in coastal ecosystems experience strong environmental gradients over relatively short spatial scales. These environmental differences may lead to substantial variation in functional traits within species, which can influence their ability to establish and persist under different environmental conditions. However, it remains unclear how much trait variation occurs within pioneer species and whether this variation is consistently related to local environmental conditions.

This project will investigate intraspecific variation in traits of pioneer species across environmental gradients in coastal dunes and salt marshes. Trait characteristics will be measured for individuals growing under contrasting environmental conditions, and their variation will be related to local environmental factors. The project will assess whether similar patterns of trait variation occur across different pioneer species and ecosystems.

• One pioneer species from a coastal dune and one pioneer species from a salt marsh
• Sampling of individuals across contrasting local environmental conditions
• Measurement of traits related to plant growth, resource acquisition, and stress tolerance
• Quantification of intraspecific trait variation within each species
• Analysis of relationships between environmental conditions and trait variation
• Comparison of patterns of trait variation between dune and salt marsh pioneer species

This Master thesis is part of a larger research project, and the costs associated with the fieldwork will be covered by the project.