濒危植物明党参种群生存过程研究

对中国特有单种属濒危植物明党参杭州种群的生存过程进行了数量分析。针对难以测量明党参个体年龄的问题 ,基于实验数据利用 L ogistic生长模型估算其年龄并得到可估测年龄最高界限为 5 0 a。数量分析表明 ,目前明党参种群表现出衰退趋势 ,种群年龄结构类似于老年型 ,种群的净增殖率、瞬时增长率和周限增长率均较低 ,世代周期较长。运用 L eslie矩阵模型分析预测未来 30 a中种群个体数量将呈现出下降趋势。在所研究的样地中 ,明党参种群种子萌发和幼苗期 (0～ 5 a) ,成熟期 (15～2 5 a)和老年期 (4 5～ 5 0 a)受到了环境筛的强烈作用     

濒危植物明党参与非濒危种峨参种子休眠和萌发比较

研究了濒危植物明党参（Changium smyrnioides)与非濒危种峨参（Anthriscus sylvestris)种子贮存,打破休眠和萌发对水分和温度条件的要求。结果表明,在自然条件下,明党参种子有5个月的休眠期,人工低温（10℃左右）处理40天即可打破休眠;两种植物种子自然温度干燥处理不能打破休眠;两种植物的种子在自然温度变湿层积处理后萌发率最高,萌发持续时间也最长,其中明党参的萌发率地峨参,持续时间短于峨参;自然温度淹水处理大大降低了两种植物种子的萌发率,但明党参仍有7％的萌发率。明党参种子质量和发芽率不应是明党参濒危的直接原因,但因其具有种子产量低,幼苗数量少,存活率高的K－对策,当受到强烈干扰时,种群难以在短期内恢复,容易濒危。     

环境因素对伞形科两种植物种子萌发的影响

种子萌发模式是植物生活史策略中的一个主要特征。研究了环境因素对伞形科濒危植物明党参 (Changium smyrnioidesWolff)和非濒危植物峨参 (Anthriscussylvestris Hoffm.)种子萌发特性的影响。结果表明 ,温度是影响明党参和峨参这类冬性植物种子萌发的主要因素。两物种的种子萌发温度范围是 5～ 15℃ ,明党参种子的最适萌发温度是 10℃ ,峨参是 5℃ ,两物种在15℃时萌发率均已受抑制 ,到 18℃时几乎不萌发。两种植物种子的萌发率与温度显著负相关。两种植物种子在光照和黑暗条件下萌发率差异很小 ,均是中性种子。明党参种子在干燥条件下比峨参种子更容易失去活力 ,其种子的适宜含水量 (5 .9%～6 .4 % )比峨参 (<3.7% )高。种子质量好、萌发率高但种子产量低也是濒危植物种群更新的一个薄弱环节。     

濒危植物明党参种子散布和种子库动态研究

对伞形科濒危植物明党参（Changium smyrnioides)的种子生产、散布和种子库动态进行了研究。明党参平均每株产生完好种子132粒,86.36%来自顶生花序,不同生境中个体产生的种子千粒重有差异;其平均1.06m高的花葶在种子散布过程中易倒伏,使种子远离母株;种子散布格局为聚集型;种子库密度随时间逐渐下降。明党参种子产量和不同时期种子库密度均低于同科非濒危植物峨参（Anthriscus sylvestris),2个种的种子库均为非持续型;明党参具有低种子数、大粒种子、种子散布远离母株以减少种内竞争的K对策,在受到人类大量采挖和生境干扰后种群不容易迅速恢复;而峨参采取高种子数、小粒种子、种子近母株密集分布和产生无性系的r对策,种群受干扰后易恢复。     

蒙古沙拐枣种群形态和同工酶变异的比较研究

调查和测定了中国西北荒漠地区的蒙古沙拐枣(Calligomum mongolicum Turcz)5个种群的形态学指标,应用方差分析(MANOVA)、主成分分析(PCA)和聚类分析,对种群间及种群内的形态性状进行研究。结果表明,种群间的形态变异差异显著。植株高度、种子刺毛长度和种子重量指标具有较强的形态差异性分析意义。形态差异(欧氏距离)与种群间基因流动(地理距离)间没有发现相关关系。聚类分析结果表明,种群M1与M2亲缘关系最近,种群M5与其他种群的亲缘关系相对较远;采用垂直板聚丙烯酰胺电泳技术对5个种群的3个酶系统进行了遗传多样性分析,结果表明,种群M5与其他种群的遗传一致度稍低(0．8197～0．8902)以外,其余各种群遗传一致度较高(0．8480～0．9505),体现其亲缘关系较近。依据Nei的遗传距离进行聚类,结果与形态聚类结果有一定的相似性。     

陕西省异色瓢虫种群遗传结构及其多样性

异色瓢虫是一种重要的天敌昆虫,广泛应用于农业生物防治中.本研究以线粒体COII基因作为分子标记,对陕西省分布的异色瓢虫不同地理种群的遗传结构及遗传多样性进行分析,并探讨不同种群间的遗传分化程度及基因交流水平.结果表明: 在21个种群529头异色瓢虫供试样本的COII序列中,共检测到15种单倍型(Hap1～Hap15),其中Hap1和Hap2所占比例最高,分别占总群体的34.4%和37.6%.总群体单倍型多样性指数为0.732,各种群内单倍型多样性范围在0.652～0.786.种群间总基因流为10.13,总群体遗传分化指数为0.024,说明种群间整体遗传分化程度较低.陕西异色瓢虫种群在进化上呈现中性模型,群体大小保持相对稳定,种群间的遗传分化主要来自种群内部.基于Nei遗传距离构建的种群系统发育树,陕南区域种群与陕北和关中区域种群分化明显.种群间遗传分化与地理距离之间存在一定的相关性,并且区域种群的遗传结构与遗传多样性也表现出一定的地理分布模式,推测秦岭的阻隔及南北气候的差异,使陕北、关中与陕南种群间的基因交流存在阻力,导致南北种群间遗传结构和遗传多样性存在差异.     

华北地区大仓鼠种群的遗传变异

应用随机扩增多态性DNA(RAPD)方法对华北地区不同大仓鼠种群的遗传变异进行了研究。结果表明,大仓鼠群体内具有较丰富的遗传变异,不同地区种群的多态位点率均高于60%,Nei’s基因多样度值范围在0·204~0·326之间,Shannon信息指数为0·306~0·484;分析遗传分化指数表明,大仓鼠种群内具有潜在的遗传结构,30·9%的变异来源于种群间存在的遗传变异。结果表明,大仓鼠在不同空间分布区内存在遗传多态性差异,地区种群间已有一定程度的遗传分化,群体间有限的基因流及遗传漂变可能对大仓鼠种群的遗传分化产生了重要的作用。     

内蒙古高原甘蒙锦鸡儿的遗传分化研究

对分布于内蒙古和林格尔和阿拉善的甘蒙锦鸡儿(CaraganaopulensKom)种群的叶片形态特性和遗传结构进行了比较研究。结果发现:从叶厚度、面积、长/宽、生物量及SLA来看,阿拉善种群与和林格尔种群之间存在明显变异,阿拉善种群比和林格尔种群保水能力强,对干旱的适应能力好。遗传结构比较研究发现,甘蒙锦鸡儿种群间发生明显的遗传分化(遗传相似度为0.711),表明生物对环境的适应是有分子基础的、是以遗传变异为基础的种群分化适应。     

中国桔小实蝇种群的微卫星多态性分析

为了研究桔小实蝇种群的遗传结构,本文采用微卫星分子标记技术,对中国南方9省区、越南和泰国的11个桔小实蝇地理种群共224个个体的遗传多样性水平及种群遗传结构进行了研究。用9对微卫星引物共检测到48个等位基因, 平均每个微卫星位点的等位基因数为5.33个。GENEPOP分析结果表明：11个桔小实蝇种群在9个微卫星位点上的多态位点百分率平均为94.45%。种群的Nei's基因多样性指数平均为0.4371,Shannon信息指数平均为0.7870,表明桔小实蝇种群具有非常丰富的遗传多样性。Nei's遗传多样性分析发现,各地理种群间产生了一定程度的遗传分化,种群间平均遗传分化系数F_st=0.2370。种群间一定程度的遗传分化可能是由地理隔离和基因流障碍（N_em = 0.8049）所引起。UPGMA聚类分析可知, 中国的桔小实蝇地理种群可分为华南支和西南支两大分支,华南分支包括福建、台湾、广东和海南4个种群,西南分支包括四川、云南、广西、贵州和湖南5个种群。由此推测, 中国桔小实蝇种群结构的形成与演变是在地理演化与经贸交流加强这两种因素的影响下不断进行的动态过程。     

云南桔小实蝇(Bactrocera dorsalis)季节性分布区4个地理种群遗传结构

对云南桔小实蝇季节分布区内六库、大理、昆明和曲靖4个典型地区桔小实蝇种群（Bactrocera dorsalis）,共52个个体的线粒体DNACOⅠ基因中的部分序列进行了测定分析。在获得的503bp序列中,共发现15个多态位点,定义了14种单倍型,其中种群间的共享单倍型有4个。通过对桔小实蝇4个地理种群的K2P遗传距离、Fst值,种群间和种群内遗传差异平均数的统计检测,以及4个种群之间基因流状况分析表明,研究的各种群间均存在不同程度的遗传分化。六库种群与其余3个种群间的遗传分化最大,遗传差异显著（p〈0.05）。大理种群与曲靖种群之间存在一定程度遗传分化（p〈0.10）,但与昆明种群间的分化程度较低。昆明种群与曲靖种群间的遗传分化程度最低。简言之,在桔小实蝇季节性分布区内,位于西部的种群遗传分化程度最高,由西向东,遗传分化程度渐次下降,位于东部的两个种群遗传结构相近。研究认为,地理隔离是导致六库种群与其余3个种群遗传分化的主要原因,而大理、昆明和曲靖种群之间遗传分化较低,可能是这些种群来自相近或相同的虫源地。研究结果对于在桔小实蝇季节性分布区的不同地点制定桔小实蝇治理方案具有重要的参考价值。     

Phylogeography of Camellia taliensis (Theaceae) inferred from chloroplast and nuclear DNA: insights into evolutionary history and conservation

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: As one of the most important but seriously endangered wild relatives of the cultivated tea, Camellia taliensis harbors valuable gene resources for tea tree improvement in the future. The knowledge of genetic variation and population structure may provide insights into evolutionary history and germplasm conservation of the species. RESULTS: Here, we sampled 21 natural populations from the species' range in China and performed the phylogeography of C. taliensis by using the nuclear PAL gene fragment and chloroplast rpl32-trnL intergenic spacer. Levels of haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity detected at rpl32-trnL (h = 0.841; pi = 0.00314) were almost as high as at PAL (h = 0.836; pi = 0.00417). Significant chloroplast DNA population subdivision was detected (GST = 0.988; NST = 0.989), suggesting fairly high genetic differentiation and low levels of recurrent gene flow through seeds among populations. Nested clade phylogeographic analysis of chlorotypes suggests that population genetic structure in C. taliensis has been affected by habitat fragmentation in the past. However, the detection of a moderate nrDNA population subdivision (GST = 0.222; NST = 0.301) provided the evidence of efficient pollen-mediated gene flow among populations and significant phylogeographical structure (NST > GST; P < 0.01). The analysis of PAL haplotypes indicates that phylogeographical pattern of nrDNA haplotypes might be caused by restricted gene flow with isolation by distance, which was also supported by Mantel's test of nrDNA haplotypes (r = 0.234, P < 0.001). We found that chlorotype C1 was fixed in seven populations of Lancang River Region, implying that the Lancang River might have provided a corridor for the long-distance dispersal of the species. CONCLUSIONS: We found that C. taliensis showed fairly high genetic differentiation resulting from restricted gene flow and habitat fragmentation. This phylogeographical study gives us deep insights into population structure of the species and conservation strategies for germplasm sampling and developing in situ conservation of natural populations.     

Conservation genetics of the endangered terrestrial orchid Liparis japonica in Northeast China based on AFLP markers

Levels of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the rare, endangered terrestrial orchid Liparis japonica were examined for eight natural populations (n = 185) in Northeast China using six AFLP primer pairs, where this species has experienced severe habitat loss and fragmentation. Based on 406 DNA bands, a high level of genetic diversity was found at the species level with the PPB of 85.47 %, while the genetic diversity at the population level was low (PPB = 47.48 %). A significantly high degree of population differentiation was found with 42.69 % variation existed among populations as measured by AMOVA, indicating potential restricted gene flow. The genetic distances between populations were independent of the corresponding geographic distances, and the genetic relationship of individuals had no significant correlation with their spatial distribution. The restricted gene flow might be impacted by reduced population size, habitat destruction and fragmentation. The results in this study suggested that habitat protection and keeping a stable environment are critical for the conservation of L. japonica species.     

High gene flow in the American badger overrides habitat preferences and limits broadscale genetic structure

Habitat associations are a function of habitat preferences and dispersal capabilities, both of which can influence how species responded to Quaternary climatic changes and contemporary habitat heterogeneity. Predicting resultant genetic structure is not always straightforward, especially in species where high dispersal potential and habitat preferences yield opposing predictions. The American badger has high dispersal capabilities that predict widespread panmixia, but avoids closed‐canopy forests and clay soils, which could restrict gene flow and create ecologically based population genetic structure. We used mitochondrial sequence and microsatellite data sets to characterize how these opposing forces contribute to genetic structure in badgers at a continent‐wide scale. Our data revealed an overall lack of ecologically based population genetic structure, suggesting that high dispersal capabilities were sufficiently realized to overcome most habitat‐based genetic structure. At a broadscale, badger gene flow is limited only by geographic distance (isolation by distance) and large water barriers (Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River). The absence of genetic structure in a species with strong avoidance of unsuitable habitats advances our understanding of when and how genetic structure emerges in widespread, highly mobile species.     

Diversity and genetic structure of the Mexican endemic epiphyte Tillandsia achyrostachys E. Morr. ex Baker var. achyrostachys (Bromeliaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The monoecious, bird-pollinated epiphytic Tillandsia achyrostachys E. Morr. ex Baker var. achyrostachys is an endemic bromeliad of the tropical dry forests of Mexico with clonal growth. In the Sierra de Huautla Natural Reserve this species shows a host preference for Bursera copallifera (Sessé & Moc ex. DC) Bullock. As a result of deforestation in the study area, B. copallifera has become a rare tree species in the remaining forest patches. This human-induced disturbance has directly affected the population densities of T. achyrostachys. In this study the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation were assessed by comparing the genetic diversity, gene flow and genetic differentiation in six populations of T. achyrostachys in the Sierra de Huautla Natural Reserve, Mexico. METHODS: Allozyme electrophoresis of sixteen loci (eleven polymorphic and five monomorphic) were used. The data were analysed with standard statistical approximations for obtaining diversity, genetic structure and gene flow. KEY RESULTS: Genetic diversity and allelic richness were: HE = 0.21 +/- 0.02, A = 1.86 +/- 0.08, respectively. F-statistics revealed a deficiency of heterozygous plants in all populations (Fit = 0.65 +/- 0.02 and Fis = 0.43 +/- 0.06). Significant genetic differentiation between populations was detected (Fst = 0.39 +/- 0.07). Average gene flow between pairs of populations was relatively low and had high variation (Nm = 0.46 +/- 0.21), which denotes a pattern of isolation by distance. The genetic structure of populations of T. achyrostachys suggests that habitat fragmentation has reduced allelic richness and genetic diversity, and increased significant genetic differentiation (by approx. 40 %) between populations. CONCLUSIONS: The F-statistic values (>0) and the level of gene flow found suggest that habitat fragmentation has broken up the former population structure. In this context, it is proposed that the host trees of T. achyrostachys should be considered as a conservation priority, since they represent the limiting factor to bromeliad population growth and connectivity.     

Genetic diversity within and among populations of the endangered and endemic species Primula merrilliana in China

Primula merrilliana Schltr. is an endangered and narrowly-distributed endemic species of southern Anhui Province in China. In this study, the level of genetic variation and the pattern of genetic structure in six natural populations of P. merrilliana were assessed by using ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeats) markers. Based on ten primers, 137 clear and reproducible DNA fragments were generated, of which 109 were polymorphic. The statistical results indicated that there was a relatively low genetic diversity within populations, and a high genetic differentiation among populations (G_ST = 0.53, Φ_ST = 0.49). The level of population genetic diversity was correlated to habitat type and the gene flow (N_m) was low with only 0.45. The unexpected genetic structure of P. merrilliana may be explained by limited gene flow that was caused by habitat fragmentation and limited seeds and pollen dispersal ability, self-compatible breeding system and biennial life form.     

Fine-scale population structure in a desert amphibian: landscape genetics of the black toad (Bufo exsul)

Environmental variables can strongly influence a variety of intra- and inter-population processes, including demography, population structure and gene flow. When environmental conditions are particularly harsh for a certain species, investigating these effects is important to understanding how populations persist under difficult conditions. Furthermore, species inhabiting challenging environments present excellent opportunities to examine the effects of complex landscapes on population processes because these effects will often be more pronounced. In this study, I use 16 microsatellite loci to examine population structure, gene flow and demographic history in the black toad, Bufo exsul , which has one of the most restricted natural ranges of any amphibian. Bufo exsul inhabits four springs in the Deep Springs Valley high desert basin and has never been observed more than several meters from any source of water. My results reveal limited gene flow and moderately high levels of population structure ( F _ST = 0.051–0.063) between all but the two closest springs. I found that the geographic distance across the arid scrub habitat between springs is significantly correlated with genetic structure when distance accounts for topography and barriers to dispersal. I also found very low effective population sizes ( N _e = 7–30) and substantial evidence for historical population bottlenecks in all four populations. Together, these results suggest that the desert landscape and B.   exsul 's high habitat specificity contribute significantly to population structure and demography in this species and emphasize the importance of considering behavioural and landscape data in conservation genetic studies of natural systems.     

Seed dispersal and population structure in Vriesea gigantea,a bromeliad from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Seed dispersal, population structure and the mating system of plant species can have great consequences on the genetic structure of populations. Vriesea gigantea is a bromeliad from southeastern Brazil which is self‐compatible and pollinator dependent for fruit set. Its populations are fertile in terms of the production of flowers, pollen, fruits and seeds. To assess the importance of seed supply for gene flow, colonization and distribution of adult individuals, the seed dispersal and population structure of V. gigantea were studied. Seeds are dispersed over short distances; most seeds land close to the mother plant. This pattern coincides with the reported aggregate distribution of bromeliad seedlings. Population structure results showed high seedling recruitment, because 51.3% developed into adults, although few juveniles reached this stage. This result is different from that for other bromeliad species from different habitat conditions. Seed dispersal and population structural patterns are consistent with previous molecular studies, revealing that V. gigantea populations are genetically structured, with low gene flow and a moderate outcrossing rate. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 164 , 317–325.     

Genetic structure and AFLP variation of remnant populations in the rare plant Pedicularis palustris (Scrophulariaceae) and its relation to population size and reproductive components

We investigated plant reproduction in relation to genetic structure, population size, and habitat quality in 13 populations of the rare biennial plant Pedicularis palustris with 3-28500 flowering individuals. We used AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) profiles to analyze genetic similarities among 129 individuals (3-15 per population). In a cluster analysis of genetic similarities most individuals (67%) were arranged in population-specific clusters. Analysis of molecular variance indicated significant genetic differentiation among populations and among and within subpopulations (P < 0.001). Gene flow (N(e) m) was low (0.298). On average, plants produced 55 capsules, 17 seeds per fruit, and 42 seedlings in the following growing season. The number of seeds per capsule was independent of population size and of genetic variability. In contrast, the number of capsules per plant (P < 0.05) and the number of seedlings per plant (P < 0.05) were positively correlated with population size. The relation between population size and the number of seeds per plant was not significant (P = 0.075). The number of capsules and of seeds and seedlings per plant (P < 0.01) were positively correlated with genetic variability. Genetic variability was independent of actual population size, suggesting that historical population processes have to be taken into account, too. Stepwise multiple regressions revealed additional significant relationships of habitat parameters (soil pH, C:N ratio), vegetation composition, and standing crop on reproductive components. We conclude that populations of P. palustris are genetically isolated and that reproductive success most likely is influenced by population size, genetic variability, and habitat quality. Management strategies such as moderate grazing, mowing, and artificial gene flow should endeavor to increase population size as well as genetic variation.     

Dispersal ability and habitat requirements determine landscape‐level genetic patterns in desert aquatic insects

Species occupying the same geographic range can exhibit remarkably different population structures across the landscape, ranging from highly diversified to panmictic. Given limitations on collecting population‐level data for large numbers of species, ecologists seek to identify proximate organismal traits—such as dispersal ability, habitat preference and life history—that are strong predictors of realized population structure. We examined how dispersal ability and habitat structure affect the regional balance of gene flow and genetic drift within three aquatic insects that represent the range of dispersal abilities and habitat requirements observed in desert stream insect communities. For each species, we tested for linear relationships between genetic distances and geographic distances using Euclidean and landscape‐based metrics of resistance. We found that the moderate‐disperser Mesocapnia arizonensis (Plecoptera: Capniidae) has a strong isolation‐by‐distance pattern, suggesting migration–drift equilibrium. By contrast, population structure in the flightless Abedus herberti (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) is influenced by genetic drift, while gene flow is the dominant force in the strong‐flying Boreonectes aequinoctialis (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae). The best‐fitting landscape model for M. arizonensis was based on Euclidean distance. Analyses also identified a strong spatial scale‐dependence, where landscape genetic methods only performed well for species that were intermediate in dispersal ability. Our results highlight the fact that when either gene flow or genetic drift dominates in shaping population structure, no detectable relationship between genetic and geographic distances is expected at certain spatial scales. This study provides insight into how gene flow and drift interact at the regional scale for these insects as well as the organisms that share similar habitats and dispersal abilities.     

Population structure and landscape genetics in the endangered subterranean rodent Ctenomys porteousi

In order to devise adequate conservation and management strategies for endangered species, it is important to incorporate a reliable understanding of its spatial population structure, detecting the existence of demographic partitions throughout its geographical range and characterizing the distribution of its genetic diversity. Moreover, in species that occupy fragmented habitats it is essential to know how landscape characteristics may affect the genetic connectivity among populations. In this study we use eight microsatellite markers to analyze population structure and gene flow patterns in the complete geographic range of the endangered rodent Ctenomys porteousi. Also, we use landscape genetics approaches to evaluate the effects of landscape configuration on the genetic connectivity among populations. In spite of geographical proximity of the sampling sites (8–27 km between the nearest sites) and the absence of marked barriers to individual movement, strong population structure and low values of gene flow were observed. Genetic differentiation among sampling sites was consistent with a simple model of isolation by distance, where peripheral areas showed higher population differentiation than those sites located in the central area of the species’ distribution. Landscape genetics analysis suggested that habitat fragmentation at regional level has affected the distribution of genetic variation among populations. The distance of sampling sites to areas of the landscape having higher habitat connectivity was the environmental factor most strongly related to population genetic structure. In general, our results indicate strong genetic structure in C. porteousi, even at a small spatial scale, and suggest that habitat fragmentation could increase the population differentiation.