Genetic variation and structure at three spatial scales for Acersaccharum (sugar maple) in Canada and the implications for conservation

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 2568-2578 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.G. Young ◽  
S.I. Warwick ◽  
H.G. Merriam

Genetic (allozyme) variation and genetic structure in Acersaccharum Marsh. (sugar maple) were examined at three spatial scales: among populations across the species' range in Canada, among populations within a single region, and among individuals within populations. Levels of genetic variation were slightly lower than for other North American angiosperm trees and shrubs; however, genetic structure was observed at all three scales. Possible processes associated with the patterns of variation at different scales ranged from post-Pleistocene glacial migration to flowering ecology. Genetic conservation strategies for A. saccharum should aim to maintain a spatial hierarchy of populations and individuals throughout the species' range in Canada. This approach should encompass that genetic variation already in existance, and provide the range of spatial and organizational scales necessary for processes such as selection, gene flow, and genetic drift to continue to operate.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly B. Klingler ◽  
Joshua P. Jahner ◽  
Thomas L. Parchman ◽  
Chris Ray ◽  
Mary M. Peacock

Abstract Background Distributional responses by alpine taxa to repeated, glacial-interglacial cycles throughout the last two million years have significantly influenced the spatial genetic structure of populations. These effects have been exacerbated for the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a small alpine lagomorph constrained by thermal sensitivity and a limited dispersal capacity. As a species of conservation concern, long-term lack of gene flow has important consequences for landscape genetic structure and levels of diversity within populations. Here, we use reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) to provide a genome-wide perspective on patterns of genetic variation across pika populations representing distinct subspecies. To investigate how landscape and environmental features shape genetic variation, we collected genetic samples from distinct geographic regions as well as across finer spatial scales in two geographically proximate mountain ranges of eastern Nevada. Results Our genome-wide analyses corroborate range-wide, mitochondrial subspecific designations and reveal pronounced fine-scale population structure between the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range of eastern Nevada. Populations in Nevada were characterized by low genetic diversity (π = 0.0006–0.0009; θW = 0.0005–0.0007) relative to populations in California (π = 0.0014–0.0019; θW = 0.0011–0.0017) and the Rocky Mountains (π = 0.0025–0.0027; θW = 0.0021–0.0024), indicating substantial genetic drift in these isolated populations. Tajima’s D was positive for all sites (D = 0.240–0.811), consistent with recent contraction in population sizes range-wide. Conclusions Substantial influences of geography, elevation and climate variables on genetic differentiation were also detected and may interact with the regional effects of anthropogenic climate change to force the loss of unique genetic lineages through continued population extirpations in the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada.


Nematology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasha Haj Nuaima ◽  
Johannes Roeb ◽  
Johannes Hallmann ◽  
Matthias Daub ◽  
Holger Heuer

Summary Characterising the non-neutral genetic variation within and among populations of plant-parasitic nematodes is essential to determine factors shaping the population genetic structure. This study describes the genetic variation of the parasitism gene vap1 within and among geographic populations of the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii. Forty populations of H. schachtii were sampled at four spatial scales: 695 km, 49 km, 3.1 km and 0.24 km. DGGE fingerprinting showed significant differences in vap1 patterns among populations. High similarity of vap1 patterns appeared between geographically close populations, and occasionally among distant populations. Analysis of spatially sampled populations within fields revealed an effect of tillage direction on the vap1 similarity for two of four studied fields. Overall, geographic distance and similarity of vap1 patterns of H. schachtii populations were negatively correlated. In conclusion, the population genetic structure was shaped by the interplay between the genetic adaptation and the passive transport of this nematode.


2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence J. Clarke ◽  
Duncan I. Jardine ◽  
Margaret Byrne ◽  
Kelly Shepherd ◽  
Andrew J. Lowe

Atriplex sp. Yeelirrie Station (L. Trotter & A. Douglas LCH 25025) is a highly restricted, potentially new species of saltbush, known from only two sites ~30 km apart in central Western Australia. Knowledge of genetic structure within the species is required to inform conservation strategies as both populations occur within a palaeovalley that contains significant near-surface uranium mineralisation. We investigate the structure of genetic variation within populations and subpopulations of this taxon using nuclear microsatellites. Internal transcribed spacer sequence data places this new taxon within a clade of polyploid Atriplex species, and the maximum number of alleles per locus suggests it is hexaploid. The two populations possessed similar levels of genetic diversity, but exhibited a surprising level of genetic differentiation given their proximity. Significant isolation by distance over scales of less than 5 km suggests dispersal is highly restricted. In addition, the proportion of variation between the populations (12%) is similar to that among A. nummularia populations sampled at a continent-wide scale (several thousand kilometres), and only marginally less than that between distinct A. nummularia subspecies. Additional work is required to further clarify the exact taxonomic status of the two populations. We propose management recommendations for this potentially new species in light of its highly structured genetic variation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Brie Klingler ◽  
Joshua P Jahner ◽  
Thomas L Parchman ◽  
Chris Ray ◽  
Mary Peacock

Abstract Background: Distributional responses by alpine taxa to repeated, glacial-interglacial cycles throughout the last two million years have significantly influenced the spatial genetic structure of populations. These effects have been exacerbated for the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a small alpine lagomorph constrained by thermal sensitivity and a limited dispersal capacity. As a species of conservation concern, long-term lack of gene flow has important consequences for landscape genetic structure and levels of diversity within populations. Here, we use reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) to provide a genome-wide perspective on patterns of genetic variation across pika populations representing distinct subspecies. To investigate how landscape and environmental features shape genetic variation, we collected genetic samples from distinct geographic regions as well as across finer spatial scales in two geographically proximate mountain ranges of eastern Nevada. Results: Our genome-wide analyses corroborate range-wide, mitochondrial subspecific designations and reveal pronounced fine-scale population structure between the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range of eastern Nevada. Populations in Nevada were characterized by low genetic diversity (𝜋=0.0006–0.0009; 𝜃W=0.0005–0.0007) relative to populations in California (𝜋=0.0014–0.0019; 𝜃W=0.0011–0.0017) and the Rocky Mountains (𝜋=0.0025–0.0027; 𝜃W=0.0021–0.0024), indicating substantial genetic drift in these isolated populations. Tajima’s D was positive for all sites (D=0.240-0.811), consistent with recent contraction in population sizes range-wide. Conclusions: Substantial influences of geography, elevation and climate variables on genetic differentiation were also detected and may interact with the regional effects of anthropogenic climate change to force the loss of unique genetic lineages through continued population extirpations in the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada.


2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 420-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca T Tague ◽  
Stephanie A Foré

In early successional species, short life span and frequent spatial relocation may affect the distribution of genetic variation but the pattern may be altered by reproductive patterns. Passiflora incarnata L. (Passifloraceae), an early successional vine found throughout the southeastern United States, reproduces sexually and asexually through clonal sprouts. We examined the genetic structure of P. incarnata in recently disturbed habitats at three spatial scales: within a patch, among patches separated by 250 m, and between sites separated by 10 km. Genetic variation may be clumped at the scale of neighboring plants if stem resprouting is significant. In each patch, eleven arbitrarily selected plants and their four nearest neighbors were mapped and leaf samples were collected for genetic analysis. The multilocus genotype of each individual for seven polymorphic allozymes was determined. Potential clones were determined by estimating the probability of a second occurrence of each genotype and a multilocus coefficient of coancestry. Data indicated P. incarnata was reproducing primarily sexually. Most of the genetic variation was within a patch with little variation among patches. These data suggest that the genetic structure of this colonizing species was determined by founder effects interacting with long distance pollen movement.Key words: allozymes, passionflower, spatial, genetic structure, early colonizer, Passiflora incarnata.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-353
Author(s):  
Yuting Lin ◽  
Achyut Kumar Banerjee ◽  
Haidan Wu ◽  
Fengxiao Tan ◽  
Hui Feng ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Pluchea indica is a mangrove-associate species, known for its medicinal properties in its native range and being invasive in part of its introduced range. This study aimed to assess geographic distribution of genetic variation of this species across its distribution range, identify the factors influencing its genetic structure and use this information to suggest conservation and management strategies in its native and introduced ranges, respectively. Methods We assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 348 individuals from 31 populations across its native (Asia) and introduced (USA) ranges for 15 nuclear microsatellite loci. The spatial pattern of genetic variation was investigated at both large and regional spatial scales with the hypothesis that geographic distance and natural geographic barriers would influence the population structure with varying levels of differentiation across spatial scales. Important Findings We found relatively high genetic diversity at the population level and pronounced genetic differentiation in P. indica, as compared with the genetic diversity parameters of mangroves and mangrove associates in this region. Most of the populations showed heterozygote deficiency, primarily due to inbreeding and impediment of gene flow. Analysis of population structures at large spatial scale revealed the presence of two major clusters across the species’ natural range separating populations in China from those in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and Philippines, and that the USA population might have been introduced from the population cluster in China. Genetic differentiation between populations was also observed at the regional scale. A large number of populations showed evidence of genetic bottleneck, thereby emphasizing the risk of local extinction. Based on these findings, our study recommends in situ conservation strategies, such as to prioritize populations for conservation actions and to maintain genetic diversity.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fábio de Almeida Vieira ◽  
Cristiane Gouvêa Fajardo ◽  
Anderson Marcos de Souza ◽  
Dulcinéia de Carvalho

Knowledge of genetic structure at different scales and correlation with the current landscape is fundamental for evaluating the importance of evolutionary processes and identifying conservation units. Here, we used allozyme loci to examine the spatial genetic structure (SGS) of 230 individuals ofProtium spruceanum, a native canopy-emergent in five fragments of Brazilian Atlantic forest (1 to 11.8 ha), and four ecological corridors (460 to 1 000 m length). Wright's statistic and Mantel tests revealed little evidence of significant genetic structure at the landscape-scale (; , ). At fine-scale SGS, low levels of relatedness within fragments and corridors (, ) were observed. Differences in the levels and distribution of the SGS at both spatial scales are discussed in relation to biological and conservation strategies of corridors and forest fragments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1405-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjersti S. Kvie ◽  
Jan Heggenes ◽  
Bård-Jørgen Bårdsen ◽  
Knut H. Røed

Abstract Landscape changes, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, subdivide wild populations, reduce their size, and limit gene flow. These changes may further lead to depletion of genetic variation within populations as well as accelerating differentiation among populations. As a migratory species requiring large living areas, wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is highly vulnerable to human activity. The number and continued presence of wild reindeer have been significantly reduced due to accelerating anthropogenic habitat modifications, as well as displacement in benefit of domesticated herds of the species. As a basis for future management strategies we assess genetic structure and levels of genetic variation in Norwegian wild reindeer by analysing 12 microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial control region in 21 management units with varying population sizes. Overall, both markers showed highly varying levels of genetic variation, with reduced variation in the smaller and more isolated populations. The microsatellite data indicated a relationship between population size and genetic variation. This relationship was positive and linear until a threshold for population size was reached at approximately 1500 reindeer. We found high levels of differentiation among most populations, indicating low levels of gene flow, but only a weak correlation between geographic and genetic distances. Our results imply that the genetic structure of Norwegian wild reindeer is mainly driven by recent colonization history, population size, as well as human-induced landscape fragmentation, restricting gene flow and leading to high levels of genetic drift. To sustain viable populations, conservation strategies should focus on genetic connectivity between populations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Brie Klingler ◽  
Joshua P Jahner ◽  
Thomas L Parchman ◽  
Chris Ray ◽  
Mary Peacock

Abstract Background: Distributional responses by alpine taxa to repeated, glacial-interglacial cycles throughout the last two million years have significantly influenced the spatial genetic structure of populations. These effects have been exacerbated for the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a small alpine lagomorph constrained by thermal sensitivity and a limited dispersal capacity. As a species of conservation concern, long-term lack of gene flow has important consequences for landscape genetic structure and levels of diversity within populations. Here, we use reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) to provide a genome-wide perspective on patterns of genetic variation across pika populations representing distinct subspecies. To investigate how landscape and environmental features shape genetic variation, we collected genetic samples from distinct geographic regions as well as across finer spatial scales in two geographically proximate mountain ranges of eastern Nevada. Results: Our genome-wide analyses corroborate range-wide, mitochondrial subspecific designations and reveal pronounced fine-scale population structure between the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range of eastern Nevada. Populations in Nevada were characterized by low genetic diversity (𝜋=0.0006–0.0009; 𝜃W=0.0005–0.0007) relative to populations in California (𝜋=0.0014–0.0019; 𝜃W=0.0011–0.0017) and the Rocky Mountains (𝜋=0.0025–0.0027; 𝜃W=0.0021–0.0024), indicating substantial genetic drift in these isolated populations. Tajima’s D was positive for all sites (D=0.240-0.811), consistent with recent contraction in population sizes range-wide. Conclusions: Substantial influences of geography, elevation and climate variables on genetic differentiation were also detected and may interact with the regional effects of anthropogenic climate change to force the loss of unique genetic lineages through continued population extirpations in the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Brie Klingler ◽  
Joshua P Jahner ◽  
Thomas L Parchman ◽  
Chris Ray ◽  
Mary Peacock

Abstract Background: Distributional responses by alpine taxa to repeated, glacial-interglacial cycles throughout the last two million years have significantly influenced the spatial genetic structure of populations. These effects have been exacerbated for the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a small alpine lagomorph constrained by thermal sensitivity and a limited dispersal capacity. As a species of conservation concern, long-term lack of gene flow has important consequences for landscape genetic structure and levels of diversity within populations. Here, we use reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) to provide a genome-wide perspective on patterns of genetic variation across pika populations representing distinct subspecies. To investigate how landscape and environmental features shape genetic variation, we collected genetic samples from distinct geographic regions as well as across finer spatial scales in two geographically proximate mountain ranges of eastern Nevada. Results: Our genome-wide analyses corroborate range-wide, mitochondrial subspecific designations and reveal pronounced fine-scale population structure between the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range of eastern Nevada. Populations in Nevada were characterized by low genetic diversity (𝜋=0.0006–0.0009; 𝜃W=0.0005–0.0007) relative to populations in California (𝜋=0.0014–0.0019; 𝜃W=0.0011–0.0017) and the Rocky Mountains (𝜋=0.0025–0.0027; 𝜃W=0.0021–0.0024), indicating substantial genetic drift in these isolated populations. Tajima’s D was positive for all sites (D=0.240-0.811), consistent with recent contraction in population sizes range-wide. Conclusions: Substantial influences of geography, elevation and climate variables on genetic differentiation were also detected and may interact with the regional effects of anthropogenic climate change to force the loss of unique genetic lineages through continued population extirpations in the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada.


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