Geographical Clines for Quantitative Traits in Natural Populations of a Tropical Drosophilid: Zaprionus Indianus

We analyzed natural populations of Zaprionus indianusin 10 Indian localities along a south-north transect (latitude: 10–31°3 N). Size traits (body weight, wing length and thorax length) as well as a reproductive trait (ovariole number) followed a pattern of clinal variation, that is, trait value increased with latitude. Wing/thorax ratio, which is inversely related to wing loading, also had a positive, but non-significant correlation with latitude. By contrast, bristle numbers (sternopleural and abdominal) exhibited a non-significant but negative correlation with latitude. Sex dimorphism, estimated as the female/male ratio, was very low in Z. indianus, contrasting with results already published in other species. Genetic variations among populations were also analyzed according to other geographic parameters (altitude and longitude) and to climatic conditions from each locality. A significant effect of altitude was found for size traits. For abdominal bristles, a multiple regression technique evidenced a significant effect of both latitude and altitude, but in opposite directions. Genetic variations were also correlated to climate, and mainly with average year temperature. Taking seasonal variations into account failed however to improve the predictability of morphometrical variations. The geographic differentiation of Z.indianusfor quantitative traits suggests adaptive response to local conditions, especially to temperature, but also reveals a complex situation according to traits investigated and to environmental parameters, which does not match results on other drosophilid species.     

Geographical differentiation of allozymic variability in natural Indian populations ofDrosophila melanogaster

Fourteen Indian populations ofD. melanogaster collected along a 22° latitudinal range were analyzed electrophoretically to compare the geographical patterns of allozymic variation at 13 loci. The data show higher genetic differentiation on the basis of moderate to higherF _ST values and significant statistical correlation of allelic frequencies at six polymorphic loci with latitude. The results add support to the hypothesis that the occurrence of parallel or complementary latitudinal clines across different continental populations provides evidence of natural selection maintaining such clinal variation.     

Variability of Wing Size and Shape in Three Populations of a Recent Brazilian Invader, Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae), from Different Habitats

Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an African species that was introduced in Brazil near the end of the 1990’s decade. To evaluate the adaptive potential of morphological traits in natural populations of this recently introduced species, we have investigated wing size and shape variation at Rio de Janeiro populations only two years after the first record of Z. indianus in Brazil. Significant genetic differences among populations from three distinct ecological habitats were detected. The heritability and evolvability estimates show that, even with the population bottleneck that should have occurred during the invasion event, an appreciable amount of additive genetic variation for wing size and shape was retained. Our results also indicated a greater influence of environmental variation on wing size than on wing shape. The importance of quantitative genetic variability and plasticity in the successful establishment and dispersal of Z. indianus in the Brazilian territory is then discussed.     

A cline of allozyme variation inAbies mariesii

Genetic variation at 22 allozyme loci was examined for 1,003 trees from 11 isolated natural populations ofAbies mariesii covering all except the southernmost region of its geographic range. Genetic diversity within species (H _es=0.063) was low compared to many other long-lived woody species. Most of the genetic variation is found within populations (G _ST=0.144) despite their isolated distribution. Genetic distance between populations was positively correlated with geographic distance. Genetic diversity within populations was generally low (meanH _ep=0.054), but varied across populations in a clinal fashion such that genetic variation decreased with increasing latitude. These genetic characteristics may reflect the distribution history of this species.     

Allozyme variability in an invasive drosophilid,Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae): comparison of a recently introduced Brazilian population with Old World populations

Colonizing species often go through genetic bottlenecks when new territories are invaded. The South American continent has been recently colonized by a generalist African drosophilid, Zaprionus indianus, which has become an agricultural pest in Brazil in the last five years. In this paper we used allozyme electrophoresis to estimate levels of genetic differentiation of Z. indianus collected from sites 4 300 km apart in Brazil. We also compared the level of polymorphism of the Brazilian populations with that found in laboratory strains from Africa and Asia, to verify if a significant decrease in gene variability has taken place during the invasion process. The populations were polymorphic for three out of the 11 loci investigated. Genetic distances and F_ST indices among Brazilian populations were small and generally non significant, suggesting a colonization from one single propagule followed by a rapid demographic expansion. Ancestral and old populations from Africa and Asia were slightly more heterozygous than those from Brazil. Compared to other drosophilids, Z. indianus appears to be characterized by a low proportion (25%) of polymorphic loci. We suggest that the propagule introduced to Brazil had a sufficient size to carry almost all the polymorphism from the (unknown) origin population, although not the precise allelic frequencies.     

Contrasting levels of genotype by environment interaction for life history and morphological traits in invasive populations of Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

It has been demonstrated that phenotypic plasticity and genotype by environment interaction are important for coping with new and heterogeneous environments during invasions. Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an Afrotropical invasive fly species introduced to the South American continent in 1999. This species is generalist and polyphagous, since it develops and feeds in several different fruit species. These characteristics of Z. indianus suggest that phenotypic plasticity and genotype by environment interaction may be important in this species invasion process. In this sense, our aim was to investigate the role of genetic variation for phenotypic plasticity (genotype by environment interaction) in Z. indianus invasion of the South American continent. Specifically, we quantified quantitative genetic variation and genotype by environment interactions of morphological and life history traits in different developmental environments, that is, host fruits. This was done in different populations in the invasive range of Z. indianus in Argentina. Results showed that Z. indianus populations have considerable amounts of quantitative genetic variation. Also, genotype by environment interactions was detected for the different traits analyzed in response to the different developmental environments. Interestingly, the amounts and patterns of these parameters differed between populations. We interpreted these results as the existence of differences in evolutionary potential between populations that have an important role in the short‐ and long‐term success of the Z. indianus invasion process.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Kalopanax pictus</Emphasis> (Araliaceae)

Kalopanax pictus (Araliaceae) is a long-lived woody species primarily distributed throughout East Asia. This species is regarded as medically and ecologically important in Korea. We used starch gel electrophoresis to investigate its allozyme variation and genetic structure in samples from Korean populations (both natural and cultivated). Our analysis of 10 enzymes revealed 18 loci, of which 10 were polymorphic (35.6%). Genetic diversity at the species and population levels were 0.200 and 0.149, respectively, with the mean for cultivated populations (0.124) being lower than for natural (wild) populations (0.181). Asexual and sexual reproduction modes, perennial habitat, and longevity all were possible factors contributing to such high diversity. An indirect estimate of the number of migrants per generation (N _m = 1.08) indicated that gene flow was not extensive among these Korean populations. Therefore, we suggest that geographical distance as well as reproductive isolation between wild and cultivated plants may play roles in shaping the population structure of this species.     

Candidate gene SNP variation in floodplain populations of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) near the species' southern range margin: Weak differentiation yet distinct associations with water availability

Populations residing near species' low‐latitude range margins (LLMs) often occur in warmer and drier environments than those in the core range. Thus, their genetic composition could be shaped by climatic drivers that differ from those occurring at higher latitudes, resulting in potentially adaptive variants of conservation value. Such variants could facilitate the adaptation of populations from other portions of the geographical range to similar future conditions anticipated under ongoing climate change. However, very few studies have assessed standing genetic variation at potentially adaptive loci in natural LLM populations. We investigated standing genetic variation at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within 117 candidate genes and its links to putative climatic selection pressures across 19 pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) populations distributed along a regional climatic gradient near the species' southern range margin in southeastern Europe. These populations are restricted to floodplain forests along large lowland rivers, whose hydric regime is undergoing significant shifts under modern rapid climate change. The populations showed very weak geographical structure, suggesting extensive genetic connectivity and gene flow or shared ancestry. We identified eight (6.2%) positive F_ST‐outlier loci, and genotype–environment association analyses revealed consistent associations between SNP allele frequencies and several climatic variables linked to water availability. A total of 61 associations involving 37 SNPs (28.5%) from 35 annotated genes provided important insights into putative functional mechanisms in our system. Our findings provide empirical support for the role of LLM populations as sources of potentially adaptive variation that could enhance species’ resilience to climate change‐related pressures.     

DNA barcode discovers two cryptic species and two geographical radiations in the invasive drosophilid Zaprionus indianus

Comparing introduced to ancestral populations within a phylogeographical context is crucial in any study aiming to understand the ecological genetics of an invasive species. Zaprionus indianus is a cosmopolitan drosophilid that has recently succeeded to expand its geographical range upon three continents (Africa, Asia and the Americas). We studied the distribution of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes for two genes (CO‐I and CO‐II) among 23 geographical populations. mtDNA revealed the presence of two well‐supported phylogenetic lineages (phylads), with bootstrap value of 100%. Phylad I included three African populations, reinforcing the African‐origin hypothesis of the species. Within phylad II, a distinct phylogeographical pattern was discovered: Atlantic populations (from the Americas and Madeira) were closer to the ancestral African populations than to Eastern ones (from Madagascar, Middle East and India). This means that during its passage from endemism to cosmopolitanism, Z. indianus exhibited two independent radiations, the older (the Eastern) to the East, and the younger (the Atlantic) to the West. Discriminant function analysis using 13 morphometrical characters was also able to discriminate between the two molecular phylads (93.34 ± 1.67%), although detailed morphological analysis of male genitalia using scanning electron microscopy showed no significant differences. Finally, crossing experiments revealed the presence of reproductive barrier between populations from the two phylads, and further between populations within phylad I. Hence, a bona species status was assigned to two new, cryptic species: Zaprionus africanus and Zaprionus gabonicus, and both were encompassed along with Z. indianus and Zaprionus megalorchis into the indianus complex. The ecology of these two species reveals that they are forest dwellers, which explains their restricted endemic distribution, in contrast to their relative cosmopolitan Z. indianus, known to be a human‐commensal. Our results reconfirm the great utility of mtDNA at both inter‐ and intraspecific analyses within the frame of an integrated taxonomical project.     

Multilocus structure in Pinus contorta Dougl.

We studied isozyme variation at 21 loci in 66 populations from three subspecies of Pinus contorta Dougl.; 35 in spp. latifolia, 20 in spp contorta and 11 in spp. murrayana. The objectives were to assess gametic disequilibria and multilocus structure. There was considerable differentiation of allele frequencies at 19 polymorphic loci across the 66 populations and within the subspecies. Allele frequencies at many loci correlated with geographic variables. Genetic variability varied considerably among populations within subspecies but the subspecies means were similar. The mean number of polymorphic loci and the mean heterozygosity over 19 polymorphic loci were, respectively, 13 and 0.194 in latifolia, 12 and 0.196 in murrayana, and 12 and 0.180 in contorta. The mean heterozygosity correlated with longitude and altitude across the 66 populations and with latitude in latifolia. Gametic disequilibria were evident in 40 populations; 29 in latifolia, eight in murrayana and three in contorta. Gametic disequilibria correlated with latitude across the 66 populations and with longitude in latifolia. The single-locus F _ST averaged 0.0339 in latifolia, 0.0567 in murrayana, and 0.0764 in contorta. The multilocus F _STM was 0.1227 in latifolia, 0.2926 in murrayana, and 0.3328 in contorta. Multilocus Wahlund and founder effects, migration patterns, and natural selection, probably played significant roles in generating and maintaining the multilocus genetic structure in P. contorta in general and the subspecies latifolia in particular.     

Genetic differentiation among populations ofArabis serrata (Brassicaceae) along its geographic distribution

Levels and distribution of genetic variation were investigated in ten populations of the perennialArabis serrata distributed along a latitudinal gradient throughout Japan. Populations of this endemic species occupy predominantly three types of habitats: limestone and derived soils, volcanic and disturbed sites. Previous studies showed that plants ofA. serrata are differentiated in morphological and ecological traits under both natural conditions and common garden experiments suggesting genetic differentiation among populations. To assess the degree of genetic differentiation under different habitats ofA. serrata populations, we analyzed the isozyme genetic structure. Ten populations, located in mountains of central and northern Honshu and Hokkaido, were analyzed by starch gel enzyme electrophoresis. Fourteen loci of eight enzymes were resolved and six loci were monomorphic for all the populations. Populations sampled maintain low levels of genetic variation (P=0.16;H=0.05;A=1.16) compared to that maintained by other outcrossing seed plants. In some cases, few or no heterozygous individuals were detected, and consequently, mean observed heterozygosity was zero or near zero. Six (29%) of the fixation indices,F, estimated deviated significantly from Hardy Weinberg genotypic expectations indicating a deficiency of heterozygotes in most of the cases. The mean genetic identity (Nei'sI) between population pairs was 0.852 and indicates a moderate level of genetic differentiation among populations.Arabis serrata has most of its genetic variation distributed among rather than within populations. The among-population component of the total genetic diversity (G _ST mean value) was 0.416, indicating genetic differentiation between populations. There groups of populations were recognized in an unrooted tree generated by the Neighbor-Joining method. These results suggest groups of populations differentiated regionally. Estimates of interpopulational gene flow (Nm) were very variable (range 0.049–3.718) with a meanNm=1.203 for all populations.     

Isozyme variation inFaidherbia albida (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae)

Genetic variation has been assessed in 30 populations (931 families) ofFaidherbia albida (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae) from across its entire African range, using six isozyme loci identified by five enzyme systems. Among the populations studied a null allele was proposed to explain the absence ofLap-1 activity in populations from southern and eastern Africa. The mean percentage of polymorphic loci per population, the mean number of alleles per locus and the mean genetic diversity within populations were 31.7%, 1.6 and 0.127 respectively. Genetic diversity was greatest in populations from West Africa and lowest in populations from eastern/southern Africa, with Ethiopian/Sudanese populations intermediate. The overall degree of genetic differentiation between populations (G_ST) indicated that approximately 56% of the enzyme variation resided within populations. Clustering of Nei's unbaised genetic distances calculated between all populations produced a dendrogram that generally followed the geographic distribution of the populations. Two major groups were identified that may be considered the eastern/southern African and the Ethiopian/West African clusters. Within the Ethiopian/West African cluster two subclusters could be recognised, one broadly corresponding to those populations from Ethiopia/Sudan and the other to those populations from West Africa. The implications of these results for theories regarding the origin ofF. albida in Africa are discussed.     

Population Genetic structure ofPotentilla fragariodes var.major (Rosaceae) in Korea

The genetic diversity and population structure of eighteenPotentilla fragariodes var.major (Rosaceae) populations in Korea were determined using genetic variations at 22 allozyme loci. The percent of polymorphic loci within the enzymes was 66.7%. Genetic diversity at the species level and at the population level was high (Hes = 0.203; Hep = 0.185, respectively), whereas the extent of the population divergence was relatively low (G_ST = 0.069). F_IS, a measure of the deviation from random mating within the 18 populations, was 0.075. An indirect estimate of the number of migrants per generation (Nm = 3.36) indicated that gene flow was high among Korean populations of the species. In addition, analysis of fixation indices revealed a slight heterozygote deficiency in some populations and at some loci. Wide geographic ranges, perennial herbaceous nature and the persistence of multiple generations are associated with the high level of genetic variation. AlthoughP. fragariodes var.major usually propagated by asexually-produced ramets, we could not rule out the possibility that sexual reproduction occurred at a low rate because each ramet may produce terminal flowers. Mean genetic identity between populations was 0.983. It is highly probable that directional movement toward genetic uniformity in a relatively homogeneous habitat operates among Korean populations ofP. fragariodes var.major.     

Low levels of quantitative and molecular genetic differentiation among natural populations of Medicago ciliaris Kroch. (Fabaceae) of different Tunisian eco-geographical origin

In this paper, we analyze the genetic variability in four Tunisian natural populations of Medicago ciliaris using 19 quantitative traits and six polymorphic microsatellite loci. We investigated the amplification transferability of 30 microsatellites developed in the model legume M. truncatula to M. ciliaris. Results revealed that about 56.66% of analyzed markers are valuable genetic markers for M. ciliaris. The most genetic diversity at quantitative traits and microsatellite loci was found to occur within populations (>80%). Low differentiations among populations at quantitative traits Q _ST  = 0.146 and molecular markers F _ST  = 0.18 were found. The majority of measured traits exhibited no significant difference in the level of Q _ST and F _ST . Furthermore, significant correlations established between these traits and eco-geographical factors suggested that natural selection should be invoked to explain the level of phenotypic divergence among populations rather than drift. There was no significant correlation between population differentiation at quantitative traits and molecular markers. Significant spatial genetic structure consistent with models of isolation by distance was detected within all studied populations. The site-of-origin environmental factors explain about 9.07% of total phenotypic genetic variation among populations. The eco-geographical factors that influence more the variation of measured traits among populations are the soil texture and altitude. Nevertheless, there were no consistent pattern of associations between gene diversity (He) and environmental factors.     

Genetic variation and population structure ofCarex breviculmis (Cyperaceae) in Korea

We determined the genetic diversity and population structures ofCarex breviculmis (Cyperaceae) populations in Korea, using genetic variations at 23 allozyme loci.C. breviculmis is a long-lived herbaceous species that is widely distributed in eastern Asia. A high level of genetic variation was found in 15 populations. Twelve enzymes revealed 23 loci, of which 11 were polymorphic (47.8%). Genetic diversity at the speciesand population levels were 0.174 and 0.146, respectively. Total genetic diversity (H_T = 0.363) and within-population genetic diversity (H_s = 0.346) were high, whereas the extent of the population divergence was relatively low (G_ST = 0.063). Deviation from random mating (Fis) within the 15 populations was 0.206. An indirect estimate of the number of migrants per generation(Nm = 3.69) indicated that gene flow was extensive among Korean populations of this species. Analysis of fixation indices revealed a substantial heterozygote deficiency in some populations and at some loci. Genetic identity between popu-lations was high, exceeding 0.956.     

Microsatellite markers reveal spatial genetic structure of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) populations along a latitudinal gradient in Europe

The genetic structure of populations of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae was investigated along a south–north European transect spanning from southern France to The Netherlands. Mites were collected on Urtica dioica in 6 sampling zones. Microsatellite variation at 5 loci revealed considerable genetic variation with an average heterozygozity of 0.49. Significant heterozygote deficiency was found in 7 populations out of the 18 samples analyzed and one of them was completely monomorphic. Tetranychus urticae populations show some level of genetic structuring. First, genetic differentiation between localities (F _ST estimates) was significant for all comparisons. Second, the analysis of molecular variance, AMOVA, indicates that there is an effect, albeit low (9%), of the locality in accounting for allele frequency variance. Geographic distance emerges as a factor responsible for this genetic structure. The results are discussed in relation to the biological features of the species and the known patterns of migration. Related agronomical issues are addressed.     

Genetic Diversity in Natural Populations of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. from Karelia

The genetic structure of ten natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. at eight isozyme loci was studied. The populations were located in the northern part of the species range, 200 km from the north to the south along the Onega Lake coast in Karelia. Considerable genetic diversity (P _99% = 43.7, H _obs = 0.003) was revealed that is not typical of populations of self-pollinating plant species. A direct correlation between the proportion of polymorphic loci and geographical latitude was shown (r = 0.68; P < 0.05). It is suggested that a high polymorphism level in Karelian Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) populations increasing from the south to the north is due to extreme environmental conditions in the northern part of the species range. The distribution of genetic diversity within and between populations is typical of self-pollinating species: the larger part of the total diversity resides among populations (G _ST = 0.583).     

自然干旱梯度下的酸枣表型变异

表型变异是植物应对环境变化的一种策略。酸枣植物从中国东部沿海到内陆腹地均有分布,其表型性状的变异可能解释其对自然干旱梯度的适应机制。为验证这一假说,以烟台、石家庄、银川、吐鲁番4个自然干旱梯度生境中生长的酸枣三年生植株的12个表型性状为调查研究对象,采用变异系数和巢式方差分析对酸枣的表型变异进行分析。结果表明:(1)从烟台到银川,叶面积、叶长、叶周长和叶柄长总体呈减小的趋势,而比叶面积呈增大的趋势;(2)随着干旱程度的增强,二次枝的长度、二次枝的基部粗、二次枝的枣吊数、茎比密度和茎水分含量均呈减小趋势,并且种子重和种子短轴长也均呈减小的趋势;(3)对沿干旱梯度分布的4个酸枣种群而言,叶性状的平均变异系数(33.70%)枝性状的平均变异系数(32.41%)种子性状的平均变异系数(9.07%),并且酸枣性状间存在很强的协变。结果表明酸枣的地上部分形态性状沿干旱梯度表现出很强的变异,推测在未来的气候变化下,酸枣将通过这种表型变异的有效组合来适应环境变化。     

GENETIC STRUCTURE OF NORWAY SPRUCE (PICEA ABIES): CONCORDANCE OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND ALLOZYMIC VARIATION

This study describes the population structure of Norway spruce (Picea abies) as revealed by protein polymorphisms and morphological variation. Electrophoretically detectable genetic variability was examined at 22 protein loci in 70 populations from the natural range of the species in Europe. Like other conifers, Norway spruce exhibits a relatively large amount of genetic variability and little differentiation among populations. Sixteen polymorphic loci (73%) segregate for a total of 51 alleles, and average heterozygosity per population is 0.115. Approximately 5% of the total genetic diversity is explained by differences between populations (G_ST = 0.052), and Nei's standard genetic distance is less than 0.04 in all cases. We suggest that the population structure largely reflects relatively recent historical events related to the last glaciation and that Norway spruce is still in a process of adaptation and differentiation. There is a clear geographic pattern in the variation of allele frequencies. A major part of the allelefrequency variation can be accounted for by a few synthetic variables (principal components), and 80% of the variation of the first principal component is “explained” by latitude and longitude. The central European populations are consistently depauperate of genetic variability, most likely as an effect of severe restrictions of population size during the last glaciation. The pattern of differentiation at protein loci is very similar to that observed for seven morphological traits examined. This similarity suggests that the same evolutionary forces have acted upon both sets of characters.     

Studies on theStellaria longipes complex (Caryophyllaceae): Isozyme variability and the relationship betweenStellaria longipes andS. longifolia

Genetic variation within and the relationship betweenStellaria longipes Goldie andS. longifolia Muhl. were studied. Ten enzyme systems were assessed in eight natural populations ofS. longipes (25 loci) and three ofS. longifolia (20 loci) using starch and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Patterns of population differentiation corresponded to geographic distance. There was no evidence that polyploidS. longipes had greater electrophoretic variability than diploidS. longipes. The isozyme data confirmed extensive population differentiation in these species and, within that context, a relatively close relationship betweenS. longipes andS. longifolia. It was postulated that diploids of these two species might be the progenitors of tetraploidS. longipes.