澜沧江老挝纹胸鮡Cytb基因的序列变异与遗传结构分析

老挝纹胸鮡是分布于澜沧江流域的一种特有鱼类,喜激流底栖生活。为了解其各地理种群间的遗传结构与遗传变异,文章分析了129尾采自澜沧江8条支流水系的老挝纹胸鮡mtDNA细胞色素b基因1 138 bp的序列变异,共发现16个多态性位点,定义了15个单倍型。澜沧江老挝纹胸鮡遗传变异较低,平均单倍型多样性指数和核苷酸多样性指数分别是h=0.299,π=0.299,有3个种群甚至没有变异,分子变异方差分析结果表明各种群内变异大于各种群间变异,种群间没有差异。对老挝纹胸鮡所有种群进行的单倍型错配分布呈现单峰型,中性检验结果均为负值(Tajima’s D=?2.36965,P<0.02;Fu’s Fs=?20.975,P<0.05)表明,澜沧江老挝纹胸鮡自然种群可能经历过近期的种群扩张事件。     

怒江流域多鳞荷马条鳅(Homatula pycnolepis)种群年龄结构与遗传多样性

该文于2008年4月采自南定河支流小勐统河的多鳞荷马条鳅(Homatula pycnolepis)群体(204尾,年龄仅为1~2龄,缺乏≥3龄个体,年龄结构简单);2007—2009年采自怒江流域4个采样点的多鳞荷马条鳅群体(80尾)的Cytb基因与群体遗传多样性及遗传结构分析共发现44个多态位点,仅定义4个单倍型,总体单倍型多样性(Hd)及核苷酸多样性(Pi)分别为0.7595及0.015,而怒江流域各采样点群体的Hd及Pi均为0,显示各地理群体遗传多样性丧失。怒江区域组、南定河组群体之间遗传分化明显,遗传距离为0.0356,组间分隔时间较久。由于被分离为小种群且面临较大捕捞压力,怒江多鳞荷马条鳅种群遗传多样性丧失,种群年龄结构简单,且怒江区域、南定河区域及澜沧江流域种群应被作为不同遗传管理单元而进行种群管理。     

基于mtCOII基因对山东省越冬代亚洲玉米螟不同种群的遗传结构分析

亚洲玉米螟Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)是我国重要农业害虫.为了全面揭示亚洲玉米螟遗传分化以及山东省亚洲玉米螟不同种群的遗传结构,对山东省越冬代亚洲玉米螟不同种群mtCOⅡ基因序列与来自GenBank的相关序列进行了遗传结构分析,并建立了鉴别不同遗传支系的PCR-RFLP方法.基于对340条mtCOⅡ序列的分析结果表明:所有样本共获得62个单倍型,其中单倍型17(H17)广泛分布于各种群之间,有6个单倍体型为山东种群所特有;亚洲玉米螟分化为2个遗传支系(支系Ⅰ与支系Ⅱ);2个遗传支系均在山东省发现,但以支系Ⅰ为主;亚洲玉米螟各单倍体型散布于山东省各地理种群中,缺乏明显的地理分布格局.山东亚洲玉米螟总体的单倍体型多样性指数Hd为0.695,种群内单倍型多样性指数在0.333-0.889之间;总体的核酸多样性指数π为0.00424,种群内核酸多样性指数在0.00061-0.00809之间.总群体的固定系数Fst为0.79421.AMOVA分析结果表明山东亚洲玉米螟的遗传分化主要来自于2个支系之间(79.42％).构建的亚洲玉米螟2个支系鉴别方法为其生物学与生态学的进一步研究奠定了基础.     

基于线粒体控制区的序列变异分析中国东南部沿海凤鲚种群遗传结构

为了解中国东南部沿海凤鲚(Coilia mystus)的种群遗传多样性和遗传结构, 本文分析了长江口(CJ)、钱塘江口(QT)、闽江口(MJ)和九龙江口(JL)4个凤鲚地理群体的mtDNA控制区561 bp片段的序列变异。65尾样本共检测到28个单元型。4个群体总的单元型多样性和核苷酸多样性均较高(h = 0.9433 ± 0.0168, π = 0.0317 ± 0.0158), 但单个群体的核苷酸多样性水平却很低, 其中以CJ最高(π = 0.0080 ± 0.0046), MJ最低(π = 0.0015 ± 0.0013)。MJ与JL群体之间以及CJ与QT群体之间的平均K2P遗传距离很小, 分别为0.3%和0.8%; 而CJ、QT分别与MJ、JL群体之间的遗传距离均较大, 达到了6%。采用最大似然法(ML)、最大简约法(MP)和邻接法(NJ)分别构建的单元型间的系统发育树揭示, 4个凤鲚群体构成CJ-QT 和MJ-JL 2个支系, 且具有极高的支持率。单元型的网络分析也显示这两个支系间有高达28步的突变次数。AMOVA分析显示大部分的遗传变异来自这两支系群体间(90.77%), 表明凤鲚群体间存在着显著的地理分化。种群分化指数和基因流分析也表明, 支系间群体有着明显的遗传分化(F_ST > 0.9, N_m < 0.03)。所有分析结果支持所研究的凤鲚标本属于两个不同的地理种群, 且种群的分化至少已达到亚种水平。采用BEAST和TRACER软件得到凤鲚两个亚种的最近共同祖先约在0.34–0.46百万年前, 处于更新世晚期, 推测可能是第四纪晚期的气候旋回和海平面的升降导致了凤鲚的种群分化。     

基于LSU和ITS的青藏高原黄绿卷毛菇种群遗传多样性分析

为研究黄绿卷毛菇群体遗传结构,以青海、西藏、四川3个省份的10个地理群共91个样本黄绿卷毛菇为实验材料,采用分子生物学方法测定和分析所有样本的LSU和ITS序列。结果显示:1 995bp的LSU和ITS基因序列共有8个变异位点,得到20个基因型。单倍型多样性指数(Hd)和核苷酸多样性指数(pi)分别为0.538±0.026和0.00029±0.00002;青海玉树和青海兴海的遗传多样性指数最高。分子变异分析结果表明黄绿卷毛菇群体遗传变异主要来自种群内(75.70%),种群间遗传分化较大。系统进化树结果也表明,10个地理群分成2个支系,黄绿卷毛菇群体存在明显的地理结构。中性检测结果进一步证实,黄绿卷毛菇群体有着复杂的群体历史,曾发生过种群数量扩张,近期种群数量正在衰减。     

圈养小熊猫遗传多样性与种群遗传结构分析

小熊猫是亚洲特有的珍稀濒危动物,目前受到栖息地减少、片断化和人类活动干扰等威胁。中国圈养小熊猫已经有60 多年历史,约55 个机构曾经饲养过小熊猫,现今圈养数量有400 多只,评估小熊猫圈养种群的遗传多样性和遗传结构对科学维持圈养种群和保存遗传种质资源意义重大。本研究利用19 个微卫星座位,对中国境内11 个小熊猫圈养种群的116 只个体进行了遗传多样性评估及遗传结构分析。结果显示11 个种群都具有较高的遗传多样性,平均基因丰富度3.505 ± 1.033 (北京)至4.026 ± 1.219 (冕宁),期望杂合度0.631 ± 0.225(黄山)至0.782 ±0.171 (温岭)。其中福州和无锡种群极显著偏离Hardy-Weinberg 平衡。整个圈养群体内各个种群遗传分化系数为0.055,呈显著分化,表明11 个种群遗传分化水平较高。Bayesian 遗传聚类分析将11 个种群聚为三个遗传簇,与野生种群的遗传聚类结果一致。结论:小熊猫圈养种群与野生种群相比,同样具有较高的遗传多样性。因此,圈养小熊猫遗传管理的重点不再是引进野生个体充实圈养种群,应制订科学的繁殖计划,避免近交,从而维持圈养种群的遗传多样性。     

大仓鼠年龄组及性别群体的遗传多样性

本文应用随机扩增多态性DNA (RAPD) 技术, 采用多态位点率、Shannon 信息多样性指数和Nei 遗传多样性指数作为种群遗传变异的指标, 研究了1998 和1999 年大仓鼠种群性别群体和年龄组群体的遗传多样性。主要的结论是: 性别群体间遗传分化较小, 年龄组群体间分化较大; 年龄组相距越大, 遗传分化也就越大; 幼年组的遗传多样性高于老龄组的遗传多样性; 1999 年秋季种群的年龄组遗传分化和差异要比1998 年四季种群更为明显。大仓鼠不同年龄组群体间的遗传分化支持遗传结构由于受时空上的选择压力而产生变异和适应性观点。大仓鼠幼体的遗传多样性比成体和老体的较高, 这一结果倾向于支持Ford 的假说, 说明种群繁殖出的幼体遗传多样性高, 其中有遗传质量好的, 也有遗传质量差的,但在生存过程中, 随着选择压力的作用, 种群趋于适应, 与环境不相适应的类型遭到淘汰,低质的幼体由于自然选择压力的增加而从种群中消失, 致使成年和老年群体多态性逐渐降低。     

基于COⅠ序列的陕西凹缘菱纹叶蝉种群关系与遗传多样性

为探讨陕西省桑园凹缘菱纹叶蝉种群间的遗传多样性、分子变异和遗传分化程度,本研究从陕西省7个主要蚕桑产区各选出一个重点县(区),采集凹缘菱纹叶蝉标本,PCR扩增得到其线粒体COⅠ基因核心序列。研究共得到了131条COⅠ基因序列,发现了229个变异位点,15个单倍型。总核苷酸多样性指数为0.065 8,各种群内核苷酸多样性0.010 9～0.120 0,总种群的单倍型为0.807 0,各种群内单倍型的多样性为0.709 1～0.857 1。总群体和各种群的Tajima's D检验结果均不显著,说明陕西桑园凹缘菱纹叶蝉的进化符合中性模型,种群数量较为稳定。分子变异方差分析结果表明,桑园凹缘菱纹叶蝉的种群的固定系数为0.124 37,种群内方差变异组分占总变异的87.56%,遗传分化主要来自于种群内部。这为进一步明晰其种群进化规律提供了参考。     

泛希姬蝽不同地理种群的遗传多样性和遗传分化

泛希姬蝽Himacerus apterus(Fabricius)是半翅目姬蝽科中重要的天敌种类,本文旨在分析泛希姬蝽不同地理种群的遗传多样性和遗传分化情况。利用COI作为标记基因,使用DnaSP、Arlequin、MEGA等软件分析了中国4个省12个种群33个体的单倍型多样性、遗传结构分化、系统发育等。共发现19个单倍型,所有单倍型中仅H1为共享单倍型,为宁夏和陕西共有,且出现频率最高。总体单倍型多样性指数Hd=0.913,核苷酸多样性指数π=0.006,平均核苷酸差异数k=4.083。Tajima's D=-0.853,P>0.100,表明泛希姬蝽未经过种群扩张。AMOVA分析表明种群内的分子变异大于种群间分子变异,变异比例分别为45.393%和36.594%,遗传分化指数均大于0.250,差异水平极显著。泛希姬蝽不同地理种群遗传多样性较高,宁夏与内蒙古、山西、陕西省分组间存在极度的遗传分化。种群间遗传距离和地理距离无相关性,表明地理距离不是影响种群间遗传距离的重要因素。通过比较4个省采集点的环境特点,认为地区间基因流受限和气温、猎物的差异可能是影响遗传分化的重要因素。     

东海海域口虾蛄种群遗传多样性

为准确掌握中国沿海口虾蛄(Oratosquilla oratoria)种群遗传结构、合理开发利用其资源,采用线粒体DNA(mt DNA)细胞色素氧化酶Ⅰ(COⅠ)序列分析方法检测东海海域(庙子湖岛、南韭山、大陈岛、南麂岛)口虾蛄种群遗传多样性,并与黄渤海群体和南海群体进行比较分析(基因序列来源于Gen Bank)。经PCR扩增与测序获得100条658 bp的东海海域口虾蛄COⅠ基因序列,基于这些序列分析得到的变异位点数、单倍型数、单倍型多样性指数与核苷酸多样性指数分别为60、60、0.963±0.011和0.005 94±0.000 44,分析认为东海海域口虾蛄具有较高的单倍型多样性和较高的核苷酸多样性。单倍型分子系统树、分子方差分析及两两群体间的遗传分化系数(Fst)分析结果表明,东海海域口虾蛄遗传变异主要来自于群体内(Fst=﹣0.007 78,P0.05),各地理群体间遗传分化不显著,Fst值范围为﹣0.016 53~﹣0.009 08(P0.05),它们可能进行了一定程度的基因交流;通过与黄渤海群体及南海群体基因序列比较分析,口虾蛄东海群体、黄渤海群体与南海群体遗传变异主要来自于群体间(Fst=0.849 71,P0.01),且单倍型分子系统树存在2个显著分化的单倍型类群。东海群体与黄渤海群体间存在显著的遗传分化(Fst=0.884 58,P0.01),而与南海群体间不存在显著的遗传分化(Fst=0.020 44,P0.05),这种遗传结构模式可能与历史上的气候变化及所处海域海洋环境条件相关。建议今后对中国沿海口虾蛄资源进行开发利用时,将黄渤海群体看作一个管理单元,东海群体与南海群体看作一个管理单元。     

Genetic structure and differentiation of four populations of Afghan Pika (Ochotona rufescens) in Iran based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene

The population genetics of the Afghan Pika (Ochotona rufescens) was studied in Northern Khorasan Province, Iran. For prediction of the genetic differentiation of four populations, the DNA of mitochondrial cytochrome b of 32 individuals from four areas was sequenced and a Bayesian analysis based on the HKY model was constructed. In total, 15 polymorphic sites, 1125 conserved sites (98.7%) and 14 different haplotypes were found. The phylogenetic tree resulting from the Bayesian analysis and network analysis showed that all samples were clustered in two major groups and the haplotypes of the four populations did not separate geographically. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that a large majority of the genetic variance was due to the variance within populations. The results of fixation indices showed significant genetic structure among populations in both methods. The pairwise F_st revealed that two northern populations have a significant genetic differentiation from two southern populations, but no significance pairwise F_st value was demonstrated between the closed populations. Nei's genetic distances between closed populations were not significant, while significant values occurred between distant populations. It seems that there is not a major discontinuity between populations of Afghan Pika based on cyt-b mitochondrial gene. However, phylogenetic analysis did not separate populations and a large majority of the genetic variance was found within populations. However, AMOVA analysis showed a significant level of genetic structure among populations (p?<?0.001) and between groups (p?<?0.5). It seems that these results suggest shallow genetic differentiation between populations of different geographic groups.     

中国湛江市和哈尔滨市褐家鼠种群遗传结构及其年度变化特征

为探索褐家鼠Rattus norvegicus地理种群的遗传结构及其年度变化特点,本研究以广东省湛江市的褐家鼠指名亚种和黑龙江省哈尔滨市的褐家鼠东北亚种为主要研究对象,结合我国及世界其他褐家鼠种群的D-loop序列分析这2个褐家鼠地理种群间D-loop序列的遗传分化情况及系统进化关系,重点分析2008—2015年褐家鼠湛江种群和哈尔滨种群D-loop单倍型的年度频率变化特点。结果表明,褐家鼠湛江种群和哈尔滨种群共有32种不同的单倍型,其中有11种单倍型是2个种群共有的,有4种单倍型仅在湛江种群中出现,有17种单倍型仅在哈尔滨种群中出现。褐家鼠湛江种群D-loop区的核苷酸多态性为0.005,有27个变异位点,单倍型多态性为0.695,褐家鼠哈尔滨种群D-loop区的核苷酸多态性比湛江种群略高,为0.008,有35个变异位点,单倍型多态性为 0.793。褐家鼠湛江种群和哈尔滨种群没有经历过暴发性的扩增。褐家鼠湛江、哈尔滨和湖北3个地理种群的D-loop序列之间发生了明显的遗传分化,其中湛江种群和哈尔滨种群之间的分化程度最高,遗传分化系数F_st为0.245。褐家鼠湛江种群和哈尔滨种群的单倍型数目和主单倍型频率都发生明显波动,推测主要原因可能是由于灭鼠剂的大量使用或其他灭鼠活动导致种群出现瓶颈或更替的现象。     

Evaluation of genetic introgression from domesticated pigs into the Ryukyu wild boar population on Iriomote Island in Japan

We evaluated genetic introgression from domesticated pigs into the Ryukyu wild boar (RWB) population on Iriomote Island based on their genetic structure and diversity. We used a combination of mitochondrial DNA D‐loop region (596 bp) polymorphisms and 23 microsatellite markers. RWBs (n = 130) were collected from 18 locations on Iriomote Island and compared with 66 reference samples of European and Asian domestic pigs. We identified six distinct haplotypes, involving 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (including one insertion) in the RWB population. The phylogenetic tree had two branches: the RWB group and domestic lineage. Fourteen of 130 RWBs (10.8%) belonged to the European domestic lineage, including 11 RWBs from the Panari Islands, northwest of Iriomote Main Island (IMI). The heterozygosity values, total number of alleles, number of effective alleles and polymorphism information content of the RWB groups were lower than those of the European domestic groups. The RWB population on IMI had a lower heterozygous deficiency index (F_IS = 0.059) than did the other populations, which indicates that this population was more inbred. There was a large genetic distance (F_ST = 0.560) between RWBs on IMI and the Meishan populations. Structure analysis using the 23 microsatellite markers revealed that 16 RWBs had an admixture pattern between RWB and domesticated pig breeds. These results suggest that gene flow may have occurred from domestic pigs to RWBs and demonstrate that there was low genetic variation in the IMI population.     

Low mtDNA variation and shallow population structure of the Chinese pomfret Pampus chinensis along the China coast

In the present study, population genetic structure and genetic diversity of the Chinese pomfret Pampus chinensis, along the China coast were investigated and compared with that from Indonesia using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene sequences. A total of 28 variable sites (including 18 singleton sites and 10 parsimony information sites) were observed and 23 haplotypes were defined in 330 individuals from 11 localities. The haplotype diversity (H_D) of the populations ranged from 0·540 to 0·828, the nucleotide diversity (π) ranged from 0·081 to 0·295%. Pairwise F_ST statistics showed that significant genetic divergence occurred among populations from different geographical regions. The high dispersal capabilities, geographic segregation and ocean currents may be responsible for the present population genetic structure in this species. In addition, a population expansion event during the late Pleistocene period was inferred. The time of population expansion was estimated to occur about 117 000–169 000 years ago.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation of the endangered Japanese endemic tree Magnolia stellata using nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers

Genetic diversity and differentiation were analyzed in 11 populations of Magnolia stellata (Sieb. and Zucc.) Maxim. (Magnoliaceae) in the Tokai district, Japan. Variation at four nuclear microsatellite (nSSR) loci was examined, three chloroplast microsatellite (cpSSR) markers were developed and 13 haplotypes identified. The 11 populations were divided into three groups (A, B and C). Each population within the group was separated less than 40 km. Group B harbored the highest gene diversity (H) and allelic richness (Ar) for nSSR (H=0.74 and Ar=8.02). Group C had the highest diversity of chloroplast haplotypes (H=0.79 and Ar=6.8): 2.5 times more haplotypes than the other groups. Each population contributed differently to the total diversity, with respect to nSSR and cpSSR. AMOVA revealed that 58% of haplotypic and 15% of nSSR variation was partitioned among populations within groups. A Mantel test revealed significant correlations between population pairwise geographic ln(distance) and F_ST/(1−F_ST) for both nSSR (r=0.479; P=0.001) and cpSSR (r=0.230; P=0.040). Dendrograms of populations for nSSR, based on Nei’s genetic distance, were constructed using UPGMA and the neighbor-joining method. These results suggest that populations in group C have diverged from the other populations, while those in group B are similar to each other. For group B, fragmentation between populations should be avoided in order to maintain gene flow. For group C, the uniqueness of each population should be given the highest priority when planning genetic conservation measures for the species.     

Genomewide patterns of variation in genetic diversity are shared among populations,species and higher‐order taxa

Genomewide screens of genetic variation within and between populations can reveal signatures of selection implicated in adaptation and speciation. Genomic regions with low genetic diversity and elevated differentiation reflective of locally reduced effective population sizes (N_e) are candidates for barrier loci contributing to population divergence. Yet, such candidate genomic regions need not arise as a result of selection promoting adaptation or advancing reproductive isolation. Linked selection unrelated to lineage‐specific adaptation or population divergence can generate comparable signatures. It is challenging to distinguish between these processes, particularly when diverging populations share ancestral genetic variation. In this study, we took a comparative approach using population assemblages from distant clades assessing genomic parallelism of variation in N_e. Utilizing population‐level polymorphism data from 444 resequenced genomes of three avian clades spanning 50 million years of evolution, we tested whether population genetic summary statistics reflecting genomewide variation in N_e would covary among populations within clades, and importantly, also among clades where lineage sorting has been completed. All statistics including population‐scaled recombination rate (ρ), nucleotide diversity (π) and measures of genetic differentiation between populations (F_ST, PBS, d_xy) were significantly correlated across all phylogenetic distances. Moreover, genomic regions with elevated levels of genetic differentiation were associated with inferred pericentromeric and subtelomeric regions. The phylogenetic stability of diversity landscapes and stable association with genomic features support a role of linked selection not necessarily associated with adaptation and speciation in shaping patterns of genomewide heterogeneity in genetic diversity.     

异叶泽兰的遗传多样性和居群历史动态研究

异叶泽兰属于菊科泽兰属,是该属分布海拔相对较高的植物,分布在青藏高原东部和横断山海拔1700~3000 m的地区。该文利用ycf6-psbM和rpl32-trnL两个叶绿体DNA(cpDNA)片段以及核DNA片段ITS(nITS)作为分子标记,研究了异叶泽兰的遗传多样性及其分布特征,探讨了其居群历史动态。结果表明:(1)叶绿体片段联合分析结果显示,异叶泽兰在物种水平遗传多样性水平不高,单倍型多态性指数(H_d)为0.656,核苷酸多态性(π)为0.00161;而ITS的基因型多态性指数(H d)为0.687,核苷酸多态性(π)为0.00235。(2)cpDNA和nITS分析结果均显示,异叶泽兰居群水平总的遗传多样性大于居群内平均遗传多样性,遗传变异主要发生在居群间,居群间存在明显的遗传分化(cpDNA:G_st=0.679,N_st=0.655,F st=0.655;nITS:G_st=0.543,N_st=0.370,F_st=0.584),但是由于N_st值小于G_st值,因此异叶泽兰的分布不具有明显的谱系地理结构。(3)基于单倍型地理分布以及Network分析推测,横断山区南部(川西南-滇西北)和云南中部可能是异叶泽兰在第四纪冰期时的两个避难所,中性检验和失配分析的结果支持异叶泽兰在冰期后未发生过居群扩张。     

Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography of Spodoptera exigua across a broad geographic area in China

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important agriculture pest in China that causes serious economic losses in some of the main crop‐producing areas. To monitor and manage this pest effectively, it is necessary to investigate its phylogeographic patterns in China. In this study, we used a partial sequence of mitochondrial DNA Cytb gene consisting of 724 bps to investigate the genetic diversity of the beet armyworm. A total of 765 individuals from 47 populations across the main distribution range of the species were collected, and 112 haplotypes were identified. Moderate‐to‐high levels of genetic diversity (Hd = 0.672 ± 0.017, Pi = 0.00268 ± 0.00021) for the total populations were obtained. Phylogenetic and median‐joining network analyses indicated there was no distinct geographic distribution pattern among haplotypes. Overall, the study also revealed significant differentiation among some populations (P < 0.05). The F_ST values of Shenyang population (SY2012–SY 2014), as well as Baoding (BD), Taian (TA), Lucheng (LC), Zhengzhou (ZZ) and Wuhan (WH), were significantly different from those of the populations in most other locations. Hierarchical AMOVA showed there was no significantly genetic structure between populations located in seven geographic regions and four main bioclimatic zones. Finally, unimodal mismatch distribution combined with negative Tajima's D (D = ?2.696, P < 0.001) and Fu's F_S (F_S = ?207.228, P > 0.05) indicated recent population expansion of S. exigua at large spatial scales in China.     

Genetic diversity of the Chinese goat in the littoral zone of the Yangtze River as assessed by microsatellite and mtDNA

The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of goats in the Yangtze River region using microsatellite and mtDNA to better understand the current status of those goat genetic diversity and the effects of natural landscape in fashion of domestic animal genetic diversity. The genetic variability of 16 goat populations in the littoral zone of the Yangtze River was estimated using 21 autosomal microsatellites, which revealed high diversity and genetic population clustering with a dispersed geographical distribution. A phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial D‐loop region (482 bp) was conducted in 494 goats from the Yangtze River region. In total, 117 SNPs were reconstructed, and 173 haplotypes were identified, 94.5% of which belonged to lineages A and B. Lineages C, D, and G had lower frequencies (5.2%), and lineage F haplotypes were undetected. Several high‐frequency haplotypes were shared by different ecogeographically distributed populations, and the close phylogenetic relationships among certain low‐frequency haplotypes indicated the historical exchange of genetic material among these populations. In particular, the lineage G haplotype suggests that some west Asian goat genetic material may have been transferred to China via Muslim migration.     

Low population genetic differentiation in the Orchidaceae: implications for the diversification of the family

A leading hypothesis for the immense diversity of the Orchidaceae is that skewed mating success and small, disjunct populations lead to strong genetic drift and switches between adaptive peaks. This mechanism is only possible under conditions of low gene flow that lead to high genetic differentiation among populations. We tested whether orchids typically exhibit high levels of population genetic differentiation by conducting a meta‐analysis to compare mean levels of population genetic differentiation (F_ST) between orchids and other diverse families and between rare and common orchids. Compared with other families, the Orchidaceae is typically characterized by relatively low genetic differentiation among populations (mean F_ST = 0.146) at allozyme loci. Rare terrestrial orchids showed higher population genetic differentiation than common orchids, although this value was still lower than the mean for most plant families. All lines of evidence suggest that orchids are typically characterized by low levels of population genetic differentiation, even in species with naturally disjunct populations. As such, we found no strong evidence that genetic drift in isolated populations has played a major role in the diversification of the Orchidaceae. Further research into the diversification of the family needs to unravel the relative roles of biotic and environmental selective pressures in the speciation of orchids.