孑遗植物四合木(Tetraena mongolica)的濒危肇因与机制

对我国特有单属种孑遗植物四合木 (Tetraena mongolica Maxim) 的地理分布、生境条件、种群数量动态、空间分布格局、种间关系、种群的生命表、生殖力表、有性生殖、无性繁殖和遗传变异等种群生态学特征及其濒危肇因进行了系统分析.研究结果表明:四合木种群为高群集分布,种群曲线属Leak凸型.年龄结构不合理,其存活曲线接近于Deevey ê型,且将演化为小种群,群落内的生境异质性显著,种群处于不稳定阶段.四合木从开花期到结果期,生殖分配 (RA) 呈下降的趋势,生殖过程中胚胎发生败育、种子向幼苗难以转化使其有性生殖受阻,生活史趋于断裂,是最终导致其濒危的重要内因.分布区城市化、工业化以及过度放牧等原因造成其种群孤立和生境破碎化是物种导致濒危的外因,四合木生态适应性和生境适宜性下降造成遗传多样性逐步丧失.同时提出对我国特有植物四合木进行异地保护的可能性与必然性.     

孑遗植物四合木(Tetraena mongolica)的濒危肇因与机制

对我国特有单属种孑遗植物四合木 (Tetraena mongolica Maxim) 的地理分布、生境条件、种群数量动态、空间分布格局、种间关系、种群的生命表、生殖力表、有性生殖、无性繁殖和遗传变异等种群生态学特征及其濒危肇因进行了系统分析。研究结果表明：四合木种群为高群集分布,种群曲线属Leak凸型。年龄结构不合理,其存活曲线接近于Deevey ê型,且将演化为小种群,群落内的生境异质性显著,种群处于不稳定阶段。四合木从开花期到结果期,生殖分配 (RA) 呈下降的趋势,生殖过程中胚胎发生败育、种子向幼苗难以转化使其有性生殖受阻,生活史趋于断裂,是最终导致其濒危的重要内因。分布区城市化、工业化以及过度放牧等原因造成其种群孤立和生境破碎化是物种导致濒危的外因,四合木生态适应性和生境适宜性下降造成遗传多样性逐步丧失。同时提出对我国特有植物四合木进行异地保护的可能性与必然性。     

不仅仅是遗传多样性:植物保护遗传学进展

保护遗传学研究的是影响物种灭绝的遗传因素以及濒危物种的遗传管理, 以降低物种的灭绝风险。本文从遗传多样性本身及其对生态系统的影响两个方面介绍了植物保护遗传学的最新进展。根据遗传标记的功能, 保护遗传学研究可分为选择中性遗传变异研究和适应性遗传变异两个方面。对于目前主要采用的选择中性遗传标记研究, 本文着重介绍了以下方面的最新进展: (1)利用遗传标记进行个体、物种或遗传单元的鉴定, 从而有效地设计保护策略, 避免在迁地保护中混淆物种, 提高保护效率; (2)应重视由于物种自身生殖、扩散等原因造成的隐性瓶颈效应。由于选择中性遗传标记并不能准确反映物种的适应性遗传基础, 从适应性遗传变异角度研究濒危物种的进化潜力已成为保护遗传学的研究前沿。大部分相关研究还集中在利用基因组扫描检测受选择的位点, 而对功能基因的适应性研究还比较少。景观遗传学旨在解释景观和生境影响下的种群间基因流和遗传多样性格局, 这方面研究将会促进我们更多了解种群基因流的地理限制因子和不同景观基质下的种群遗传差异。遗传多样性作为物种的一种属性亦可在一定程度上反馈, 并影响生态系统。这提示我们不仅仅是濒危物种, 常见物种的遗传多样性及其保护亦很重要。最后, 我们从4个方面对保护遗传学研究进行了展望, 包括应加强将生态系统各环节联系起来研究遗传多样性, 在技术手段上利用多态性更丰富的分子标记, 同时强调了对常见物种保护遗传学研究的重要性, 并初步分析了我国保护遗传学研究与国际水平的差距, 建议加强种群遗传学和进化生物学基础理论的学习。     

中国野生动物生境适宜性评价和生境破碎化研究

生境是生物出现的环境空间, 开展野生动物的生境适宜性评价和生境破碎化研究, 有助于濒危动物的保育。随着生态学科的发展, 多元统计分析、景观生态学和3S 技术被用于生境适宜性评价中, 使其研究结果广泛应用于生境质量评估、生境承载力分析、物种潜在分布预测和物种濒危机制评价等方面。然而研究对象基础资料的缺乏和研究时间较短常局限生境适宜性评价研究继续深入。生境破碎化研究常集中在破碎化现状及其对生物的影响。时空尺度的扩展和研究方向的分化应是今后生境破碎化研究的发展趋势。     

关于物种濒危等级标准之探讨--对IUCN物种濒危等级的思考

为了保存地球上的生物多样性,我们需要根据物种的种群数量与分布、种群数量波动与分布区下降速率来评定濒危物种的濒危等级,并针对物种的濒危等级提出具体的保护措施。1994年11月,IUCN第40次理事会会议正式通过了经过修订的Mace-Lande物种濒危等级标准作为IUCN物种濒危等级标准。IUCN濒危物种红色名录虽然不是国际法和国家法律,但是对于政府间组织、非政府组织的保护决策以及各国的自然法律法规的制定有着深远的影响,在保护生物学理论研究中也发挥了一定作用。我们在研究制定中国水生野生生物濒危等级标准时发现,如果直接应用IUCN物种濒危等级标准评定水生野生生物濒危等级将存在一些问题。如：(1)如何区别对待那些本来就数量稀少、分布区狭窄的物种和那些由于人类活动而导致其种群数量与生境面积急剧下降的物种?(2)不同的动物类群能否应用同一濒危标准尺度?(3)如何区别对待物种边缘分布区和核心分布区的种群数量与密度的差异?(4)如何处理种群的局部灭绝、局部濒危?(5)一些濒危物种在野生环境中濒危,但是这些物种可以人工繁殖,如何处理可以人工繁殖的濒危物种?(6)如果没有种群与栖息地的精确历史资料和统计数据,怎样应用物种的濒危标准评估其濒危等级?在实践中,我们针对这些问题提出了解决方案。考虑与国际流行的IUCN物种濒危等级标准接轨,我们提出来一个由“无危”、“值得关注”、“受胁”、“濒危”和“灭绝”等5个级构成的濒危等级系统,其中“值得关注”、“受胁”、“濒危”又分为“一般”与“高度”两个亚等级。我们提出应区分“生态濒危物种”、“进化濒危物种”;对于不同生物类群,应区分物种的生活史对策,制定不同生活史物种的濒危标准。对于r-对策物种,引入“经济灭绝”这一等级,将这一等级对应于“受胁”等级,以解决缺少物种数量的统计数据和历史数据这一难题;区别对待特有物种,将其濒危等级提升一等;引进集合种群(metapopulation)概念,将集合种群的局域种群(local population)作为“个体”对待。     

集合群落(metacommunity)研究动态

由于人类活动等原因,自然生境在日益丧失和破碎化。因此,集合种群结构作为空间生态学的一个重要的研究途径越来越受到人们的重视,而斑块化环境中的生物群落即集合群落也成为生态学的一个研究热点。文中综述了集合群落动态,群落物种丰富度和物种分布,生境的丧失和破坏对集合群落的影响等的最新研究成果。     

通过遗传多样性探讨极小种群野生植物的致濒机理及保护策略: 以裸子植物为例

遗传多样性是生物多样性的重要组成部分, 然而由于资源的过度开发利用和生境的破碎化影响了物种的遗传多样性, 甚至威胁到物种的生存适应性和生物多样性。极小种群野生植物是亟待保护的国家重点保护濒危植物,遗传多样性研究对揭示极小种群致濒机理及保护策略具有重要意义。生境破碎化会造成物种遗传多样性降低、种群间分化增加、基因流减少等, 使种群濒危。但在某些物种中, 繁殖特征、进化历史等生物和生态因素的不同也可能造成近期生境破碎化后遗传效应的延迟。裸子植物进化历史悠久, 包含许多孑遗物种, 由于生活史周期长, 遭受生境破碎化后可能短期内显示不出遗传效应的改变, 但长期很难恢复。本文以裸子植物为例综述了濒危植物的遗传多样性研究的案例, 探讨了濒危裸子植物应对环境恶化的维持机制、致濒因素和保护方案, 旨在说明通过遗传多样性研究充分认识极小种群致濒机理对高效保护极小种群野生植物的重要性。     

Community characteristics and population structure of Ferrocalamus strictus,a rare species in Mojiang,Yunnan, China

铁竹(Ferrocalamus strictus)分布在云南南部局部区域, 其数量少, 分布范围狭窄, 为云南省极小种群物种。对铁竹野生种群结构及其所在群落特征进行研究可以为了解其濒危机制提供科学依据, 也可为其保护提供前期研究基础。该研究通过对墨江铁竹野生资源的调查, 从物种组成、种群密度、种群存活曲线和死亡因素等方面, 分析铁竹的种群结构及其所在群落特征。结果表明: (1)墨江铁竹种群所在群落的外貌、物种组成均具有山地雨林的特征; (2)墨江铁竹种群密度为2.04株·m ^-2; 铁竹种群的存活曲线介于Deevey-I型和Deevey-II型之间; 铁竹种群的净增殖率(R₀)为1.10, 表明铁竹种群处于增长阶段; (3)导致铁竹死亡的原因有人为砍伐、自然枯立、退笋及昆虫啃食, 其中人为砍伐所占比例最大; (4)铁竹为南亚热带森林竹种, 属中型竹类, 节间长度从基部3-4节起突然伸长, 最长超过1 m, 在竹类植物中居于前列, 这与其适应热带山地雨林环境密切相关。     

人工固沙区与流沙区准噶尔无叶豆种群数量特征与空间格局对比研究

准噶尔无叶豆(Eremosparton songoricum) 是中亚荒漠特有小半灌木,稀有种,在我国仅片段化分布于新疆古尔班通古特沙漠;它是流动沙丘的先锋物种,也能成功定居于人工固沙区(草方格)。对比研究了人工固沙区及自然流沙区的准噶尔无叶豆群落物种组成、种群密度、高度、盖度、生物量等特征及种群空间分布格局。结果表明:人工固沙区内的准噶尔无叶豆群落物种的科、属、种数均明显多于流沙区,而且2种生境物种相似性指数仅为0.522,表明人工固沙生境显著改变了群落物种组成与结构。除植株密度外,人工固沙区种群的高度,盖度,地上、地下及总生物量密度,单株地上、地下及总生物量等数量特征均显著高于流沙区。2种生境中准噶尔无叶豆种群空间分布的关联维数均接近2.0,体现了较强的个体空间相关性和空间占据能力。2种尺度(1 m和2 m)下的聚集度分析表明,2种生境中种群基本为随机分布。因而,人工固沙生境并未明显改变种群空间分布格局,这可能是种群的固有特性。人工固沙区的土壤有机质、全氮和有效氮含量显著高于流沙区,且与种群数量特征(植株密度除外)呈显著正相关。总之,与流沙区相比,人工固沙使地表得到固定,提高了土壤有机质和氮素含量,明显改变了定居于其中的准噶尔无叶豆种群主要数量特征,增强了种群的生存和适应能力。该结论对荒漠濒危植物的保育具有重要指示意义。     

云南墨江极小种群物种铁竹的种群结构与群落特征

铁竹(Ferrocalamus strictus)分布在云南南部局部区域, 其数量少, 分布范围狭窄, 为云南省极小种群物种。对铁竹野生种群结构及其所在群落特征进行研究可以为了解其濒危机制提供科学依据, 也可为其保护提供前期研究基础。该研究通过对墨江铁竹野生资源的调查, 从物种组成、种群密度、种群存活曲线和死亡因素等方面, 分析铁竹的种群结构及其所在群落特征。结果表明: (1)墨江铁竹种群所在群落的外貌、物种组成均具有山地雨林的特征; (2)墨江铁竹种群密度为2.04株·m ^-2; 铁竹种群的存活曲线介于Deevey-I型和Deevey-II型之间; 铁竹种群的净增殖率(R₀)为1.10, 表明铁竹种群处于增长阶段; (3)导致铁竹死亡的原因有人为砍伐、自然枯立、退笋及昆虫啃食, 其中人为砍伐所占比例最大; (4)铁竹为南亚热带森林竹种, 属中型竹类, 节间长度从基部3-4节起突然伸长, 最长超过1 m, 在竹类植物中居于前列, 这与其适应热带山地雨林环境密切相关。     

Hybridization with invasive Rosa rugosa threatens the genetic integrity of native Rosa mollis

Hybridization between invasive and native species often has severe consequences on fitness and survival of the native relative. We investigated the extent of hybridization between the neophyte Rosa rugosa and native R. mollis, an endangered species in Germany. Rosa mollis is found in only one large population in Germany close to the Baltic coast, which has been heavily invaded by R. rugosa for at least 60 years. We analysed all individuals of R. mollis from this mixed population using microsatellite markers and morphological characters and compared these data with those from allopatric populations of R. mollis and R. rugosa. In the mixed population we identified nine plants (45% of the population) as hybrids between R. mollis (seed parent) and R. rugosa (pollen parent) by the presence of microsatellite alleles private for R. rugosa. These individuals were also morphologically intermediate between the parental species. Gene flow from R. mollis into R. rugosa was negligible. We detected a very low genetic diversity and a low number of seeds per hip in the mixed population of R. mollis, pointing to genetic depletion and low fitness. In the light of these results and the difficulties in removing invasive R. rugosa from European coastlines, we discuss possible conservation strategies for this endangered population. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 170 , 472–484.     

Prospects for Biocontrol of Invasive Rosa rugosa

The biota of herbivorous arthropods and pathogenic microorganisms associated with Rosa rugosa in its native and exotic ranges is reviewed. This is done as an initial step towards the identification of potential agents for biological control of this plant species invasive in Europe and North America. It is shown that more insect (but apparently not fungal) species attack R. rugosa in its native range than in its exotic range, and that most of the specialized insect and fungal enemies are confined to its native range. Among the close relatives of R. rugosa in its exotic ranges are many native species, as well as economically important crop plants. Few organisms appear to be narrowly specialized to R. rugosa, but true host specificity can only be identified through experimental testing. Based on the literature, the most promising candidates for biocontrol seem to be the aphids Myzus japonensis and Amphorophora amurensis, the leaf hopper Empoasca ussurica, the tortricid moth Notocelia longispina, the cynipid gall-wasp Diplolepis fukudae, and the rust fungi Phragmidium rosae-rugosae and P. yezoense. A screening programme is suggested, investigating the impact of these organisms on R. rugosa performance, their host specificity and the risk of undesired indirect effects in the ecosystem where agents are released. In addition, demographic studies of the target plant should be integrated to provide guidance for the stage in the life cycle most sensitive to control and, thus, enable selection of the most efficient and safe biocontrol agents.     

Multiple introductions and no loss of genetic diversity: invasion history of Japanese Rose, Rosa rugosa, in Europe

The shrub Rosa rugosa (Japanese Rose), native to East Asia, is considered one of the most troublesome invasive plant species in natural or semi-natural habitats of northern Europe and has proven very difficult to control. We aimed at disentangling the species’ invasion history in Europe, including determining the number of introductions and their geographic origin, and at investigating whether populations in the introduced and native ranges differ in genetic diversity, structure and degree of differentiation. We found that introduced (n = 16) and native (n = 16) populations had similar levels of genetic diversity at seven nuclear SSR (microsatellite) loci. European populations lack isolation by distance and are less genetically differentiated than are populations in East Asia. Multiple and at least three independent colonization events, one of which was particularly successful, gave rise to current R. rugosa populations in Europe. The geographic distribution patterns of these three genetic clusters could not be explained by natural dispersal alone, indicating that human mediated secondary dispersal is driving the expansion in Europe. One cluster representing three of the European populations was most likely derived from NW Japan, whereas the origin of the remaining thirteen populations could not clearly be resolved. The introduction and expansion in Europe occurred with no significant loss of genetic diversity. We conclude that high propagule pressure at the primary establishment phase is the most parsimonious explanation for this pattern. A potential for long distance seed dispersal, coastal habitat connectivity and an outcrossing breeding system are factors likely to have enabled populations of R. rugosa to avoid detrimental effects of genetic bottlenecks and will further increase the species’ range size and abundance in Europe. We recommend that human-mediated dispersal should be prevented in order to halt the continued expansion.     

Successful worldwide invasion of the veined rapa whelk, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rapana venosa</Emphasis>, despite a dramatic genetic bottleneck

Biological invasions represent an important component of global change, with potentially huge detrimental effects on native biological biodiversity and ecosystems. Knowledge about invasion history provides information about the invasion process and the origin and genetic composition of invading populations. To clarify the source and invasive routes of a successful world-wide invader, the veined rapa whelk, Rapana venosa, genetic variability of samples from five representative native populations from coasts of Japan and China and 13 worldwide invasive populations was analyzed using 11 nuclear microsatellite loci. A dramatic decrease of genetic variation was detected in the invasive populations compared with the native populations. The results demonstrated that R. venosa was capable of establishing itself in many areas despite a dramatic genetic bottleneck, suggesting that a remarkable reduction of genetic diversity is not a limiting factor for short-term success of this invasive species. Considering the lack of mitochondrial variation previously observed in the invasive populations, the dramatic genetic bottleneck and the allele distribution detected using microsatellites suggested that the original introduced Black Sea population could have been founded by very few individuals, perhaps only a single female and a single male. The initial invasive Black Sea population was likely an accidental introduction from Japan, and then invaded the Adriatic Sea by range expansion, which served as a source for subsequent invasive populations in Europe and America by various transport vectors. In addition, microsatellite alleles in the invasive populations showed a tendency to mutate with the addition or deletion of a single repeat, which is consistent with the stepwise mutation model. Our findings provide a good example of how an aquatic invader with a drastic genetic bottleneck and very low genetic diversity rapidly expands its geographical range.     

Genetic uniformity and long‐distance clonal dispersal in the invasive androgenetic Corbicula clams

The clam genus Corbicula is an interesting model system to study the evolution of reproductive modes as it includes both sexual and asexual (androgenetic) lineages. While the sexual populations are restricted to the native Asian areas, the androgenetic lineages are widely distributed being also found in America and Europe where they form a major aquatic invasive pest. We investigated the genetic diversity of native and invasive Corbicula populations through a worldwide sampling. The use of mitochondrial and nuclear (microsatellite) markers revealed an extremely low diversity in the invasive populations with only four, undiversified, genetic lineages distributed across Europe and America. On the contrary, in the native populations, both sexual and androgenetic lineages exhibited much higher genetic diversity. Remarkably, the most abundant and widely distributed invasive forms, the so‐called form A and form R found in America and Europe respectively, are fixed for the same single COI (cytochrome c oxydase subunit I) haplotype and same multilocus genotype. This suggests that form R, observed in Europe since the 1980s, derived directly from form A found in America since the 1920s. In addition, this form shares alleles with some Japanese populations, indicating a Japanese origin for this invasive lineage. Finally, our study suggests that few androgenetic Corbicula individuals successfully invaded the non‐native range and then dispersed clonally. This is one striking case of genetic paradox raising the issue of invasive and evolutionary success of genetically undiversified populations.     

Historic speciation and recent colonization of Eurasian monkey gobies (Neogobius fluviatilis and N. pallasi) revealed by DNA sequences,microsatellites, and morphology

Aim Hidden diversity within an invasive ‘species’ can mask both invasion pathways and confound management goals. We assessed taxonomic status and population structure of the monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis across Eurasia, comparing genetic variation across its native and invasive ranges. Location Native populations were analysed within the Black and Caspian Sea basins, including major river drainages (Dnieper, Dniester, Danube, Don and Volga rivers), along with introduced locations within the upper Danube and Vistula river systems. Methods DNA sequences and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci were analysed to test genetic diversity and divergence patterns of native and introduced populations; phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA cytochrome b and nuclear RAG‐1 sequences assessed taxonomic status of Black and Caspian Sea lineages. Multivariate analysis of morphology was used to corroborate phylogenetic patterns. Population genetic structure within each basin was evaluated with mtDNA and microsatellite data using F_ST analogues and Bayesian assignment tests. Results Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear sequences discerned a pronounced genetic break between monkey gobies in the Black and Caspian Seas, indicating a long‐term species‐level separation dating to c. 3 million years. This pronounced separation further was confirmed from morphological and population genetic divergence. Bayesian inference showed congruent patterns of population structure within the Black Sea basin. Introduced populations in the Danube and Vistula River basins traced to north‐west Black Sea origins, a genetic expansion pattern matching that of other introduced Ponto‐Caspian gobiids. Main conclusions Both genetic and morphological data strongly supported two species of monkey gobies that were formerly identified as subspecies: N. fluviatilis in the Black Sea basin, Don and Volga Rivers, and the Kumo‐Manych Depression, and Neogobius pallasi in the Caspian Sea and Volga River delta. Genetic origins of introduced N. fluviatilis populations indicated a common invasion pathway shared with other introduced Ponto‐Caspian fishes and invertebrates.     

Population genetic structure and distribution of introduced American mink (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mustela vison</Emphasis>) in Spain,based on microsatellite variation

The population genetic structure of an invasive species in Spain, the American mink (Mustela vison), was investigated using microsatellite DNA markers. This semi-aquatic carnivore, originating from North America, was imported into Europe for fur farming since the beginning of the 20th century. Due to massive escapes, farm damages, deliberate releases and/or accidents, feral mink populations were established in the aquatic ecosystems of many European countries, including Spain. We genotyped 155 American mink originating from the Spanish regions Basque Country, Catalonia, Castilla-Leon, Aragon, Valencia and Galicia using 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci to highlight population genetic structure, distribution and dispersal. M. vison populations in Spain appear differentiated and not yet connected by gene flow. Bayesian clustering analyses and spatial analyses of molecular variance detected four inferred clusters, overall coinciding with the sampled geographical localities. Preliminary testing shows moderate to large estimated effective population sizes. Molecular analyses result useful to provide baseline data for further research on the evolution of invasive mink populations, as well as support local management strategies and indirectly benefit the conservation of threatened species in Spain, such as the endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola), and the polecat (Mustela putorius), which share the habitat with the American mink. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Xavier Domingo-Roura.     

Ancestral origins and invasion pathways in a globally invasive bird correlate with climate and influences from bird trade

Invasive species present a major threat to global biodiversity. Understanding genetic patterns and evolutionary processes that reinforce successful establishment is paramount for elucidating mechanisms underlying biological invasions. Among birds, the ring‐necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is one of the most successful invasive species, established in over 35 countries. However, little is known about the evolutionary genetic origins of this species and what population genetic signatures tell us about patterns of invasion. We reveal the ancestral origins of populations across the invasive range and explore the potential influence of climate and propagule pressure from the pet trade on observed genetic patterns. Ring‐necked parakeet samples representing the ancestral native range (n = 96) were collected from museum specimens, and modern samples from the invasive range (n = 855) were gathered from across Europe, Mauritius and Seychelles, and sequenced for two mitochondrial DNA markers comprising 868 bp of cytochrome b and control region, and genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci. Invasive populations comprise birds that originate predominantly from Pakistan and northern areas of India. Haplotypes associated with more northerly distribution limits in the ancestral native range were more prevalent in invasive populations in Europe, and the predominance of Asian haplotypes in Europe is consistent with the higher number of Asian birds transported by the pet trade outside the native range. Successful establishment of invasive species is likely to be underpinned by a combination of environmental and anthropogenic influences.     

Identification and population genetic comparison of three ascidian species based on mtDNA sequences

Ascidians are sessile marine chordate invertebrates found along seashores worldwide and are typically regarded as invasive organisms. Knowledge concerning their global genetic structure and subsequent invasive potential is limited. Here, we identified three ascidians—Ciona robusta, Ciona savignyi, and Styela clava from the northeast region of China using morphological characteristics and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) as genetic marker. We additionally used phylogenetics to aid in the identification of these three species. The results of a population genetic analysis showed that among the three species, the level of haplotype diversity was particularly high within C. savignyi, and nucleotide diversity varied moderately. We divided the three species separately into native and invasive populations using 170 cox1 sequences from global resources to explore population genetic structure and invasive potential. Although in the network analysis Ciona spp. formed haplogroups of native and invasive populations, some haplotypes were still shared. We found that the haplotypes did not cluster within the network of S. clava. Our AMOVA results also showed that Ciona spp. had a weak genetic structure, and less genetic differentiation was present in S. clava. These data suggest that there are extensive incursions of these three ascidians into different geographical regions. Global comparisons of ascidian populations will help in the understanding of their population genetic structure and invasive potential, hence providing important insights regarding conservation as well as management.     

Evidence of ecological niche shift in Rhododendron ponticum (L.) in Britain: Hybridization as a possible cause of rapid niche expansion

Biological invasions threaten global biodiversity and natural resources. Anticipating future invasions is central to strategies for combating the spread of invasive species. Ecological niche models are thus increasingly used to predict potential distribution of invasive species. In this study, we compare ecological niches of Rhododendron ponticum in its native (Iberian Peninsula) and invasive (Britain) ranges. Here, we test the conservation of ecological niche between invasive and native populations of R. ponticum using principal component analysis, niche dynamics analysis, and MaxEnt‐based reciprocal niche modeling. We show that niche overlap between native and invasive populations is very low, leading us to the conclusion that the two niches are not equivalent and are dissimilar. We conclude that R. ponticum occupies novel environmental conditions in Britain. However, the evidence of niche shift presented in this study should be treated with caution because of nonanalogue climatic conditions between native and invasive ranges and a small population size in the native range. We then frame our results in the context of contradicting genetic evidence on possible hybridization of this invasive species in Britain. We argue that the existing contradictory studies on whether hybridization caused niche shift in R. ponticum are not sufficient to prove or disprove this hypothesis. However, we present a series of theoretical arguments which indicate that hybridization is a likely cause of the observed niche expansion of R. ponticum in Britain.