Genetic Structure Within and Among Populations of Saruma henryi, an Endangered Plant Endemic to China

The endangered perennial plant Saruma henryi Oliv. is endemic to China and has phylogenetic, ecological, and medicinal value. We used 10 microsatellite (SSR) loci to investigate genetic diversity and differentiation in 16 natural populations. Genetic diversity was high at the species level (H(E) = 0.9427, h = 0.9410, I = 3.0213) and low at the population level (H(E) = 0.4441, h = 0.4307, I = 0.6822). Pronounced genetic differentiation was detected among populations (G(ST) = 0.5428, F(ST) = 0.5524), in line with the limited among-population gene flow (Nm = 0.21). The significant isolation-by-distance pattern revealed by a Mantel test (r = 0.311, P = 0.001) suggested a clear geographic tendency in the distribution of genetic variability. Bayesian assignment and principal coordinates analyses supported the clustering of 16 populations into three groups. The present SSR results were also compared with previously published ISSR results. These results have significant implications for conservation of the species.     

在韩国境内Potentilla fragarioides var .sprengeliana的遗传多样性和种群结构(英文)

根据 2 2个等位酶位点遗传变异 ,探讨了韩国境内委陵菜 (PotentillafragarioidesL .var.sprengeliana)的遗传多样性和种群结构。酶位点的多态位点百分比为 5 9 1%。种和种群水平上的遗传多样性比较高 ,分别为Hes=0 .2 10 ,Hep=0 .199;而种群的分化水平则相对较低 (GST=0 .0 74)。 19个种群中随机交配的偏差为FIS=0 .331。每代迁移数的间接估计 (Nm=3.15 )表明该种在韩国的种群间基因流较高。另外 ,固定指数分析显示在一些种群和位点有轻微的杂合子缺乏。种群间平均遗传一致度为 0 985。这些韩国委陵菜种群存在于较为均一的生境 ,这很有可能是造成其种群遗传一致性较高的原因。     

Allozyme diversity and genetic structure of the leafy cactus (Pereskia guamacho [Cactaceae])

We examined levels of genetic variation and genetic structure in the leafy cactus (Pereskia guamacho) in arid and semiarid zones in Venezuela. We surveyed genetic diversity within 17 populations using 19 allozyme loci. Genetic diversity was relatively high at both the species (P(s) = 89%, A(s) = 3.26, AP(s) = 3.53, H(es) = 0.24) and population (P(p) = 63%, A(p) = 1.90, AP(p) = 2.42, H(ep) = 0.20) levels. A significant deficit of heterozygote individuals was detected within populations in the Paraguana Peninsula region (F(IS) = 0.301). Relatively low levels of population differentiation were detected at macrogeographic (G(ST) = 0.112) and regional levels (G(ST) = 0.044 for peninsula region and G(ST) = 0.074 for mainland region), suggesting substantial genetic exchange among populations; however, gene flow in this species seems to be regulated by the distance among populations. Overall, estimates of genetic diversity found in P. guamacho are concordant with the pattern observed for other cacti surveyed, namely high levels of polymorphism and genetic diversity with one common allele and several rare alleles per locus. Differences in gene dispersal systems between this species and other cacti studied were not reflected in the patterns of genetic diversity observed. The concentration of the highest estimates of genetic variation in northwestern Venezuela suggests a potential reservoir of plant genetic diversity within xerophilous ecosystems in northern South America.     

Population genetics and morphological comparisons of migratory European (Hirundo rustica rustica) and sedentary East-Mediterranean (Hirundo rustica transitiva) barn swallows

Speciation processes are largely determined by the relative strength of divergent selection versus the magnitude of gene flow. The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) has a broad geographic distribution that encompasses substantial geographic variation in morphology and behavior. The European (H. r. rustica) and East-Mediterranean (H. r. transitiva) subspecies are closely related, despite differing in morphological and life-history traits. To explore patterns of genetic differentiation and gene flow, we compared morphological and genetic variation among the nonmigratory breeding population of H. r. transitiva from Israel and the migratory population of H. r. rustica that passes through Israel and compared it with the genetic differentiation between H. r. transitiva from Israel and a breeding population of H. r. rustica from the United Kingdom that uses a different migratory flyway. Mitochondrial haplotype network analysis suggests that the European and East-Mediterranean populations are intermixed, although there was low but significant genetic differentiation between the subspecies based on both mitochondrial (F(ST) = 0.025-0.033) and microsatellite (F(ST) = 0.009-0.014) loci. Coalescent-based analyses suggest recent divergence and substantial gene flow between these populations despite their differences in morphological and behavioral traits. The results suggest that these subspecies are undergoing a differentiation process in the face of gene flow, with selection possibly operating on sexually selected traits.     

Population studies on an endemic troglobitic beetle: geographical patterns of genetic variation, gene flow and genetic structure compared with morphometric data

Highly specialized obligatory cave beetles endemic to the French Pyrenees offer an opportunity to investigate the relative importance of environmental conditions and ecological characteristics on the organization of genetic variability, to describe the genetic structure of populations, and to assess the extent of gene flow between local populations in relation to geologic structure. Twenty-three geographically close populations of the beetle Speonomus hydrophilus occurring both in caves (reduced fluctuations in many abiotic parameters) and under the deepest layer of soil in mountains (more exposed to climatic variations) were studied. Significant genetic differentiation at 17 allozyme loci was found among populations in close proximity, as well as among those from distant parts of range. On a larger scale, genetic differences among populations appear to result from low dispersal rates between populations. The spatial patterning observed suggests that allozyme frequencies are not responding to environmentally controlled selection. Substantial genetic divergence (F(ST) = 0.112) occurred throughout the range, with important variation in levels of genetic variability (H: 0.065-0.184) among populations. A significant level of substructuring has occurred among the populations with four major geographic areas of similarity indicated. The substructuring of the species into regions suggests an influence of paleoclimatic gradient and paleoenvironment on the population's genetic structure. Also, founder effect and reduced gene flow appear to have influenced populations in the southeastern portion of the range.     

濒危物种巴东木莲的等位酶遗传多样性及其保护策略

为了确定中国特有濒危植物巴东木莲(Manglietia patungensis)的就地保护优先单元和制定迁地保护的取样策略,采用超薄平板聚丙烯酰胺等电聚焦电泳技术对巴东木莲的7个野生居群的等位酶遗传多样性及遗传结构进行了分析。通过对8个酶系统19个酶位点的分析结果来看,巴东木莲具有较高的遗传多样性和一定程度的遗传分化。每位点平均等位基因数（A）为1.57,多态位点百分率（P）为48.1%,平均预期杂合度（H_e）为0.192。巴东木莲居群间的遗传分化系数（G_ST）为0.165,说明其16.5％的遗传变异存在于居群间;基于遗传分化系数计算的基因流（N_m）为1.27,说明居群间存在适度的基因流;固定指数(F)为-0.191,显示巴东木莲居群杂合体轻微过量,纯合体略显不足。本研究表明,目前巴东木莲仍具有较高的遗传多样性并且在其适宜生境中可以完成自然更新,因此应采取以就地保护为主的综合保育策略。     

A population genetics study of Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) from Colombia based on random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction and amplified fragment lenght polymorphism markers

The genetic variation and population structure of three populations of Anopheles darlingi from Colombia were studied using random amplified polymorphic markers (RAPDs) and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers (AFLPs). Six RAPD primers produced 46 polymorphic fragments, while two AFLP primer combinations produced 197 polymorphic fragments from 71 DNA samples. Both of the evaluated genetic markers showed the presence of gene flow, suggesting that Colombian An. darlingi populations are in panmixia. Average genetic diversity, estimated from observed heterozygosity, was 0.374 (RAPD) and 0.309 (AFLP). RAPD and AFLP markers showed little evidence of geographic separation between eastern and western populations; however, the F ST values showed high gene flow between the two western populations (RAPD: F ST = 0.029; Nm: 8.5; AFLP: F ST = 0.051; Nm: 4.7). According to molecular variance analysis (AMOVA), the genetic distance between populations was significant (RAPD:phiST = 0.084; AFLP:phiST = 0.229, P < 0.001). The F ST distances and AMOVAs using AFLP loci support the differentiation of the Guyana biogeographic province population from those of the Chocó-Magdalena. In this last region, Chocó and Córdoba populations showed the highest genetic flow.     

Population genetic structure of wild and hatchery black rockfish Sebastes inermis in Korea, assessed using cross-species microsatellite markers

The population structure of the black rockfish, Sebastes inermis (Sebastidae), was estimated using 10 microsatellite loci developed for S. schlegeli on samples of 174 individuals collected from three wild and three hatchery populations in Korea. Reduced genetic variation was detected in hatchery strains [overall number of alleles (N(A)) = 8.07; allelic richness (A(R)) = 7.37; observed heterozygosity (H(O)) = 0.641] compared with the wild samples (overall N(A) = 8.43; A(R) = 7.83; H(O) = 0.670), but the difference was not significant. Genetic differentiation among the populations was significant (overall F(ST) = 0.0237, P < 0.05). Pairwise F(ST) tests, neighbor-joining tree, and principal component analyses showed significant genetic heterogeneity among the hatchery strains and between wild and hatchery strains, but not among the wild populations, indicating high levels of gene flow along the southern coast of Korea, even though the black rockfish is a benthic, non-migratory marine species. Genetic differentiation among the hatchery strains could reflect genetic drift due to intensive breeding practices. Thus, in the interests of optimal resource management, genetic variation should be monitored and inbreeding controlled within stocks in commercial breeding programs. Information on genetic population structure based on cross-species microsatellite markers can aid in the proper management of S. inermis populations.     

Isolation by distance and vicariance drive genetic structure of a coral reef fish in the Pacific Ocean

We studied the genetic diversity of a coral reef fish species to investigate the origin of the differentiation. A total of 727 Acanthurus triostegus collected from 15 locations throughout the Pacific were analyzed for 20 polymorphic loci. The genetic structure showed limited internal disequilibrium within each population; 3.7% of the loci showed significant Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium, mostly associated with Adh*, and we subsequently removed this locus from further analysis of geographic pattern. The genetic structure of A. triostegus throughout the tropical Pacific Ocean revealed a strong geographic pattern. Overall, there was significant population differentiation (multilocus F(ST) = 0.199), which was geographically structured according to bootstraps of neighbor-joining analysis on Nei's unbiased genetic distances and AMOVA analysis. The genetic structure revealed five geographic groups in the Pacific Ocean: western Pacific (Guam, Philippines, Palau, and Great Barrier Reef); central Pacific (Solomons, New Caledonia, and Fiji); and three groups made up of the eastern populations, namely Hawaiian Archipelago (north), Marquesas (equatorial), and southern French Polynesia (south) that incorporates Clipperton Island located in the northeastern Pacific. In addition, heterozygosity values were found to be geographically structured with higher values grouped within Polynesian and Clipperton populations, which exhibited lower population size. Finally, the genetic differentiation (F(ST)) was significantly correlated with geographic distance when populations from the Hawaiian and Marquesas archipelagos were separated from all the other locations. These results show that patterns of differentiation vary within the same species according to the spatial scale, with one group probably issued from vicariance, whereas the other followed a pattern of isolation by distance. The geographic pattern for A. triostegus emphasizes the diversity of the evolutionary processes that lead to the present genetic structure with some being more influential in certain areas or according to a particular spatial scale.     

Allozyme variation in the endangered insular endemic Castilleja grisea

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Genetic diversity in Castilleja grisea, an endangered, perennial herb endemic to San Clemente Island, California was investigated. Subsequent to the elimination of goats from the island in 1992, many populations of C. grisea have reappeared and have been increasing in size. METHODS: Nineteen populations were surveyed for their genotype at 19 allozyme loci. KEY RESULTS: At the taxon level, 57.9 % of loci are polymorphic with A(P) = 3.09 and H(E) = 0.137. Populations averaged 33.0 % polymorphic loci with A(P) = 2.43 and H(E) = 0.099. Most variation is found within rather than among populations (G(ST) = 0.128), although differentiation among populations is significant. Genetic identities range from I = 0.960 to I = 1.000 with mean I = 0.990. There is no significant relationship between genetic and geographic distance. Gene flow among populations is Nm = 2.50 based on private alleles and Nm = 1.70 based on F(ST). Outcrossing rates based on fixation indices average t = 1.01, indicating a primarily out-crossed mating system. CONCLUSIONS: The observed genetic variation is moderately high, unusually so for an insular endemic species, suggesting that C. grisea may not have lost substantial genetic variation during 150 years of overgrazing, and indicating that it is unlikely to be endangered by genetic factors.     

Population genetic structure of Venezuelan chiropterophilous columnar cacti (Cactaceae)

We conducted allozyme surveys of three Venezuelan self-incompatible chiropterophilous columnar cacti: two diploid species, Stenocereus griseus and Cereus repandus, and one tetraploid, Pilosocereus lanuginosus. The three cacti are pollinated by bats, and both bats and birds disperse seeds. Population sampling comprised two spatial scales: all Venezuelan arid zones (macrogeographic) and two arid regions in northwestern Venezuela (regional). Ten to 15 populations and 17-23 loci were analyzed per species. Estimates of genetic diversity were compared with those of other allozyme surveys in the Cactaceae to examine how bat-mediated gene dispersal affects the population genetic attributes of the three cacti. Genetic diversity was high for both diploid (P(s) = 94.1-100, P(p) = 56.7-72.3, H(s) = 0.182-0.242, H(p) = 0.161-0.205) and tetraploid (P(s) = 93.1, P(p) = 76.1, H(s) = 0.274, H(p) = 0.253) species. Within-population heterozygote deficit was detected in the three cacti at macrogeographic (F(IS) = 0.145-0.182) and regional (F(IS) = 0.057-0.174) levels. Low genetic differentiation was detected at both macrogeographic (G(ST) = 0.043-0.126) and regional (G(ST) = 0.009-0.061) levels for the three species, suggesting substantial gene flow among populations. Gene exchange among populations seems to be regulated by distance among populations. Our results support the hypothesis that bat-mediated gene dispersal confers high levels of genetic exchange among populations of the three columnar cacti, a process that enhances levels of genetic diversity within their populations.     

High levels of genetic polymorphism in the insular endemic herb Jepsonia malvifolia.

Jepsonia malvifolia is a long-lived perennial herb endemic to the Channel Islands of southern California and Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Twelve populations of J. malvifolia on San Clemente Island were surveyed for their genotype at 21 allozyme loci, revealing high levels of genetic polymorphism. For all individuals across San Clemente Island, 95.2% of loci are polymorphic with A(p) = 2.90 and H(e) = 0.179. Populations averaged 60.2% polymorphic loci with A(p) = 2.42 and H(e) = 0.158. Most variation is found within rather than among populations (G(ST) = 0.101), although differentiation among populations is significant. Genetic identities range from 0.936 to 0.999 with mean I = 0.975. There is no significant relationship between genetic and geographic distance. Gene flow among populations is Nm = 9.5 based on private alleles and Nm = 2.2 based on F(ST). Outcrossing rates based on fixation indices average t = 0.753, indicating a primarily outcrossed mating system. The genetic variation observed is unusually high for an insular endemic herb and indicates that J. malvifolia is unlikely to be endangered by genetic factors.     

A Comprehensive Study of Genic Variation in Natural Populations of Drosophila melanogaster. II. Estimates of Heterozygosity and Patterns of Geographic Differentiation

A study of genic variation in natural population of D. melanogaster was undertaken (1) to obtain a better estimate of heterozygosity by sampling a relatively large number of gene loci and (2) to identify different groups of polymorphic loci whose variation patterns might suggest different kinds of selection forces. A total of 117 gene loci (coding for 79 enzymes and 38 abundant proteins) were studied in 15 geographically distant populations originating from different continents. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) of the 117 gene loci studied, 61 are polymorphic and 56 are uniformly monomorphic everywhere. (2) An average population is polymorphic for 43% of its gene loci and an average individual is heterozygous for 10% of its gene loci. These estimates are remarkably similar among populations. (3) The average within-locality heterozygosity (H(S)) for polymorphic loci is uniformly distributed over the range of heterozygosity observed; i.e. , given that a locus has any local variation, it is nearly as likely to have a lot as a little. (4) The distribution of F(ST) (fixation index) is strongly skewed, with a prominent mode at 8-10% and a long tail of high values reaching a maximum of 58%. Two-thirds of all loci fall within the bell-shaped distribution centered on an F(ST) of 8-10%, a result compatible with the notion that they are experiencing a common tendency toward small interlocality differences owing to extensive gene flow among populations. (5) The distribution of total heterozygosity (H(T)) has a prominent bimodal distribution. The lower mode consists of loci with single prominent allele and a few uncommon ones and the upper mode consists of clinally varying loci with a high F(ST ) (e.g., Adh and G6-pd), loci with many alleles in high frequency (e.g., Ao and Xdh) and loci with two alleles in high frequency in all populations but, with little interpopulational differentiation (e.g., Est-6 and alpha-Fuc). The loci in the lower mode are probably under purifying selection; a large proportion of those in the latter mode may be under balancing selection. (6) Comparison of genic variation for loci located inside vs. outside inversions, comparison of F(ST) for inversions and their associated genes, and comparison of F(ST) and map position for pairs of loci all suggest that, while linkage has some influence, it does not seem to constrain the pattern of variation that a locus may develop. (7) Eighteen polymorphic loci show latitudinal variation in allele frequencies which are consistent in populations from different continents. (8) Estimates of Nei genetic distance between population pairs are generally low between populations on the same continent and high between populations on different continents. There are two important exceptions: population pairs for which both localities are in the temperate zone show no relationship to distance, and in cases where both populations are tropical or subtropical, the genetic distance is higher than for the temperate-tropical comparisons and seem even higher than one would expect from the geographic distance separating them. The latter observation suggests that either geographic separation outweighs differences in environment in determining the genetic composition of a population or that all tropical populations are not experiencing the same environment.-The results are discussed in relation to the neutralist-selectionist controversy of genic variation and two important conclusions are drawn: First, there is a negative correlation between the number of loci sampled and the resulting heterozygosity. This means that available estimates of heterozygosity, 85% of which are based on 30 or fewer loci, are high and hence not appropriate for making between-taxa comparisons. Secondly, there is a group of loci, comprising one-third of polymorphic loci (or about 15% of all loci studied), that is distinguishable by different patterns of variation within and among populations. Most of these loci have clinal variation which is consistent with the hypothesis that their genetic variation is maintained by balancing selection.     

Population genetic structure of wild Phaseolus lunatus (Fabaceae), with special reference to population sizes

To set up an in situ conservation strategy for Phaseolus lunatus, we analyzed the genetic structure of 29 populations in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Using 22 enzyme loci, we quantified the proportion of polymorphic loci (P(p)), the mean number of alleles per locus (A), and the mean effective number of alleles per locus (A(e)), which equaled to 10.32%, 1.10, and 1.05, respectively. The total heterozygosity (H(T)), the intrapopulation genetic diversity (H(S)), and the interpopulation genetic diversity (D(ST)) were 0.193, 0.082, and 0.111, respectively. The genotypic composition of the analyzed populations showed a deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg proportions (F(IT) = 0.932). This disequilibrium was due to either genetic differentiation between populations (F(ST) = 0.497) or nonrandom mating within populations (F(IS) = 0.866). From the level of genetic differentiation between populations and the private alleles frequencies estimates, gene flow was calculated: Nm(W) = 0.398 and Nm(S) = 0.023, respectively. The results suggested that wild Lima bean maintains most of its isozyme variation among populations. Significant positive correlation was observed between population size and P(p), A, and H(o) (observed heterozygosity), whereas no correlation was observed with the average fixation index of population (F). The loss of genetic variability in populations was attributed to inbreeding and the bottleneck effects that characterized the target populations. In situ conservation and management procedures for wild Lima bean are discussed.     

High levels of genetic differentiation of Oryza officinalis Wall. ex Watt. from China

In order to determine the population genetic structure of wild rice (Oryza officinalis Wall. ex Watt.), an endangered tropical and subtropical species, allozyme diversity encoded by 24 loci was analyzed electrophoretically in 145 individuals of eight natural populations from Hainan, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces, China. A fairly high genetic differentiation (F(ST) = 0.882 and mean I = 0.786) was found among the studied populations. Our results suggest that restricted gene flow may play a significant role in shaping such a population genetic structure. In addition, high genetic differentiation among populations within a geographically limited region may stem from a reduced population size and consequent genetic drift.     

Population genetic structure of Arabidopsis lyrata in Europe

Population genetic theory predicts that the self-incompatible and perennial herb, Arabidopsis lyrata, will have a genetic structure that differs from the self-fertilizing, annual Arabidopsis thaliana. We quantified the genetic structure for eight populations of A. lyrata ssp. petraea in historically nonglaciated regions of central Europe. Analysis of 20 microsatellite loci for 344 individuals demonstrated that, in accordance with predictions, diploid populations had high genome-wide heterozygosity (H(O) = 0.48; H(E) = 0.52), high within-population diversity (83% of total) compatible with mutation-drift equilibrium, and moderate differentiation among populations (F(ST) = 0.17). Within a single population, the vast majority of genetic variability (92%) was found at the smallest spatial scale (< 3 m). Although there was no evidence of biparental inbreeding or clonal propagation at this scale (F(IS) = 0.003), significant fine-scale spatial autocorrelation indicated localized gene flow presumably due to gravity dispersed seeds (Sp = 0.018). Limited gene flow between isolated population clusters (regions) separated by hundreds of kilometres has given rise to an isolation by distance pattern of diversification, with low, but significant, differentiation among regions (F(ST) = 0.05). The maintenance of geographically widespread polymorphisms and uniformly high diversity throughout central Europe is consistent with periglacial survival of A. lyrata ssp. petraea north of the Alps in steppe-tundra habitats during the last glacial maximum. As expected of northern and previously glaciated localities, A. lyrata in Iceland was genetically less diverse and highly differentiated from central Europe (H(E) = 0.37; F(ST) = 0.27).     

The influence of altitude and topography on genetic structure in the long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactulym)

A primary goal of molecular ecology is to understand the influence of abiotic factors on the spatial distribution of genetic variation. Features including altitudinal clines, topography and landscape characteristics affect the proportion of suitable habitat, influence dispersal patterns, and ultimately structure genetic differentiation among populations. We studied the effects of altitude and topography on genetic variation of long-toed salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum), a geographically widespread amphibian species throughout northwestern North America. We focused on 10 low altitude sites (< 1200 m) and 11 high-altitude sites in northwestern Montana and determined multilocus genotypes for 549 individuals using seven microsatellite loci. We tested four hypotheses: (1) gene flow is limited between high- and low-altitude sites; and, (2) gene flow is limited among high-altitude sites due to harsh habitat and extreme topographical relief between sites; (3) low-altitude sites exhibit higher among-site gene flow due to frequent flooding events and low altitudinal relief; and (4) there is a negative correlation between altitude and genetic variation. Overall F(ST) values were moderate (0.08611; P < 0.001). Pairwise F(ST) estimates between high and low populations and a population graphing method supported the hypothesis that low-altitude and high-altitude sites, taken together, are genetically differentiated from each other. Also as predicted, gene flow is more prominent among low-altitude sites than high-altitude sites; low-altitude sites had a significantly lower F(ST) (0.03995; P < 0.001) than high altitude sites (F(ST) = 0.10271; P < 0.001). Use of Bayesian analysis of population structure (BAPS) resulted in delineation of 10 genetic groups, two among low-altitude populations and eight among high-altitude populations. In addition, within high altitude populations, basin-level genetic structuring was apparent. A nonequilibrium algorithm for detecting current migration rates supported these population distinctions. Finally, we also found a significant negative correlation between genetic diversity and altitude. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that topography and altitudinal gradients shape the spatial distribution of genetic variation in a species with a broad geographical range and diverse life history. Our study sheds light on which key factors limit dispersal and ultimately species' distributions.     

Low genetic structure in an epiphytic Orchidaceae (Oncidium hookeri) in the Atlantic rainforest of South-eastern Brazil

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oncidium hookeri is a neotropical species of epiphytic Orchidaceae found in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest at the top of the Mantiqueira Range of mountains. The genetic variation of O. hookeri was studied to assess the distribution of genetic variability within and among six populations localized in Atlantic rainforest remnants. Gene flow among populations and the occurrence of recent bottlenecks were investigated in order to infer the degree of isolation of these populations. METHODS: Thirteen polymorphic loci were used for allozyme electrophoresis. The data were analysed by means of standard statistical approaches, to estimate gene diversity and the genetic structure of the populations. KEY RESULTS: The mean gene diversity and allelic richness were H(e) = 0.099 and A = 1.75, respectively. F-statistics revealed high heterozygote deficiencies in all populations (F(IS) = 0.43-0.82). Several rare alleles were found in all the populations, and three populations presented private alleles. Low genetic differentiation among O. hookeri populations was detected (F(ST) = 0.029); natural selection may be involved in PGM locus differentiation among populations. The genetic differentiation between paired populations was low, bearing no correlation with geographic distance (Mantel test: r = -0.34, P = 0.72). Only two populations showed signs of recent bottlenecks. CONCLUSIONS: The heterozygote deficiency found seems to be caused by pollinator behaviour; the low frequencies of several alleles of different loci can be maintained due to clonal propagation. Despite the stochastic nature of the wind-dispersal of seeds to long distances, this process may promote an effective gene flow among populations, thus avoiding genetic differentiation.     

Molecular and quantitative genetic differentiation across Europe in yellow dung flies

Relating geographic variation in quantitative traits to underlying population structure is crucial for understanding processes driving population differentiation, isolation and ultimately speciation. Our study represents a comprehensive population genetic survey of the yellow dung fly Scathophaga stercoraria, an important model organism for evolutionary and ecological studies, over a broad geographic scale across Europe (10 populations from the Swiss Alps to Iceland). We simultaneously assessed differentiation in five quantitative traits (body size, development time, growth rate, proportion of diapausing individuals and duration of diapause), to compare differentiation in neutral marker loci (F(ST)) to that of quantitative traits (Q(ST)). Despite long distances and uninhabitable areas between sampled populations, population structuring was very low but significant (F(ST) = 0.007, 13 microsatellite markers; F(ST) = 0.012, three allozyme markers; F(ST) = 0.007, markers combined). However, only two populations (Iceland and Sweden) showed significant allelic differentiation to all other populations. We estimated high levels of gene flow [effective number of migrants (Nm) = 6.2], there was no isolation by distance, and no indication of past genetic bottlenecks (i.e. founder events) and associated loss of genetic diversity in any northern or island population. In contrast to the low population structure, quantitative traits were strongly genetically differentiated among populations, following latitudinal clines, suggesting that selection is responsible for life history differentiation in yellow dung flies across Europe.     

Species diversity and population density affect genetic structure and gene dispersal in a subtropical understory shrub

Aims The dispersal of pollen and seeds is spatially restricted and may vary among plant populations because of varying biotic interactions, population histories or abiotic conditions. Because gene dispersal is spatially restricted, it will eventually result in the development of spatial genetic structure (SGS), which in turn can allow insights into gene dispersal processes. Here, we assessed the effect of habitat characteristics like population density and community structure on small-scale SGS and estimate historical gene dispersal at different spatial scales.Methods In a set of 12 populations of the subtropical understory shrub Ardisia crenata, we assessed genetic variation at 7 microsatellite loci within and among populations. We investigated small-scale genetic structure with spatial genetic autocorrelation statistics and heterogeneity tests and estimated gene dispersal distances based on population differentiation and on within-population SGS. SGS was related to habitat characteristics by multiple regression.Important findings The populations showed high genetic diversity (H e = 0.64) within populations and rather strong genetic differentiation (F ′ ST = 0.208) among populations, following an isolation-by-distance pattern, which suggests that populations are in gene flow–drift equilibrium. Significant SGS was present within populations (mean Sp = 0.027). Population density and species diversity had a joint effect on SGS with low population density and high species diversity leading to stronger small-scale SGS. Estimates of historical gene dispersal from between-population differentiation and from within-population SGS resulted in similar values between 4.8 and 22.9 m. The results indicate that local-ranged pollen dispersal and inefficient long-distance seed dispersal, both affected by population density and species diversity, contributed to the genetic population structure of the species. We suggest that SGS in shrubs is more similar to that of herbs than to trees and that in communities with high species diversity gene flow is more restricted than at low species diversity. This may represent a process that retards the development of a positive species diversity–genetic diversity relationship.