Ecological metrics predict connectivity better than geographic distance |
| |
Authors: | D Grant Hokit Marina Ascunce Joel Ernst Lyn C Branch Ann Marie Clark |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Natural Sciences, Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59625, USA;(2) ICBR Genetic Analysis Laboratory, University of Florida, 1376 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;(3) US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, CMAVE, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA;(4) Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA |
| |
Abstract: | We use microsatellite loci to examine genetic structure of the Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) and test for the effects of landscape variables at the scale of neighboring patches. We evaluate ecological metrics of connectivity
with genetics data, which to our knowledge is the first application of these particular metrics to landscape-level genetics
studies in Florida scrub. Florida scrub is a highly threatened ecosystem in which habitat patches are remnants of a previously
widespread xeric landscape. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has shown that landscape structure influenced the evolutionary
history of the Florida scrub lizard (S. woodi) across its range. Our results concur with these mtDNA studies in documenting divergence between xeric ridge systems and
also demonstrate divergence at very local scales. Both least-cost distance and pairwise isolation (a metric used in ecological
studies that includes patch size, quality and a modified isolation index) were better predictors of genetic distance than
Euclidean distance, indicating that mesic and hydric habitat influence spatial patterns in genetic variation. Our results
support the need for focusing on spatial distribution of scrub habitat at the scale of neighboring patches, as well as regionally,
in conservation management and restoration. Also, our study points to the value of integrating landscape ecology metrics into
landscape genetics. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|