East-west divergence in central Brazilian Cerrado revealed by cpDNA sequences of a bird-dispersed tree species

Population genetic studies of plant species can contribute to understanding the evolutionary history of the Brazilian Cerrado, a highly threatened hotspot and the richest tropical savanna in the world. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the diversity and genetic structure of Byrsonima coccolobifolia (Malpighiaceae), one of the most common tree species in the Brazilian Cerrado, focusing mainly on the central area of the biome. This is a bird-dispersed species, and studies targeting species with this seed dispersal syndrome are scarce. First, we performed a careful screening of cpDNA markers to identify regions suitable for intraspecific genetic studies, and then we investigated the diversity and genetic structure in ten populations of B. coccolobifolia. The cpDNA regions selected (trnS-trnG and trnH-trnK) revealed considerable divergence among populations and a striking geographical structure, separating populations in two groups, east and west. Although seed dispersal by birds is expected to reach long distances, our results strongly corroborate studies targeting trees with limited seed dispersal. This suggests that historical fragmentation of Cerrado (possibly during cold and dry periods of the Quaternary) might have limited long distance dispersal events after climate amelioration even in bird-dispersed species, especially while Cerrado was expanding but still fragmented.     

Testing the consistency of connectivity patterns for a widely dispersing marine species

Connectivity is widely recognized as an important component in developing effective management and conservation strategies. Although managers are generally most interested in demographic, rather than genetic connectivity, new analytic approaches are able to provide estimates of both demographic and genetic connectivity measures from genetic data. Combining such genetic data with mathematical models represents a powerful approach for accurately determining patterns of population connectivity. Here, we use microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic population structure of the New Zealand Rock Lobster, Jasus edwardsii, which has one of the longest known larval durations of all marine species (>2 years), a very large geographic range (>5500 km), and has been the subject of extensive dispersal modeling. Despite earlier mitochondrial DNA studies finding homogeneous genetic structure, the mathematical model suggests that there are source-sink dynamics for this species. We found evidence of genetic structure in J. edwardsii populations with three distinct genetic groups across New Zealand and a further Australian group; these groups and patterns of gene flow were generally congruent with the earlier mathematical model. Of particular interest was the consistent identification of a self-recruiting population/region from both modeling and genetic approaches. Although there is the potential for selection and harvesting to influence the patterns we observed, we believe oceanographic processes are most likely responsible for the genetic structure observed in J. edwardsii. Our results, using a species at the extreme end of the dispersal spectrum, demonstrate that source-sink population dynamics may still exist for such species.     

Combining the least cost path method with population genetic data and species distribution models to identify landscape connectivity during the late Quaternary in Himalayan hemlock

Himalayan hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) experienced a recolonization event during the Quaternary period; however, the specific dispersal routes are remain unknown. Recently, the least cost path (LCP) calculation coupled with population genetic data and species distribution models has been applied to reveal the landscape connectivity. In this study, we utilized the categorical LCP method, combining species distribution of three periods (the last interglacial, the last glacial maximum, and the current period) and locality with shared chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nuclear haplotypes, to identify the possible dispersal routes of T. dumosa in the late Quaternary. Then, both a coalescent estimate of migration rates among regional groups and establishment of genetic divergence pattern were conducted. After those analyses, we found that the species generally migrated along the southern slope of Himalaya across time periods and genomic makers, and higher degree of dispersal was in the present and mtDNA haplotype. Furthermore, the direction of range shifts and strong level of gene flow also imply the existence of Himalayan dispersal path, and low area of genetic divergence pattern suggests that there are not any obvious barriers against the dispersal pathway. Above all, we inferred that a dispersal route along the Himalaya Mountains could exist, which is an important supplement for the evolutionary history of T. dumosa. Finally, we believed that this integrative genetic and geospatial method would bring new implications for the evolutionary process and conservation priority of species in the Tibetan Plateau.     

Genetic landscape and landscape connectivity of Ceratopteris thalictroides,an endangered aquatic fern

Global climate change will have great impacts on ecosystems with high biodiversity and landscape connectivity. Here, we employ species distribution models (SDMs) and geospatial analyses to predict future changes in C. thalictroides distribution under the future climate change based on Community Climate System Model (CCSM4). We predict the ranges of C. thalictroides will contract about 11,523 km² from the present to the year 2080. The changes in species distribution present a main range contraction in high latitude regions. We map the patterns of genetic divergence and diversity using the Genetic Landscape GIS Toolbox in ArcGIS v10.2. By visualizing dispersal networks in SDMtoolbox v 1.1, we predict a major decrease in connectivity will occur between YD (Yingde) and NP (Nanping) population. Populations with high diversity and divergence regions were considered to be evolutionary hotspots. Therefore, we suggest the populations CZ(Chengzhou), YD(Yingde), HP(Hepu), SY(Sanya), DH(Dinghu) and NP(Nanping) are in need of protection, concluding that strategically maintained ecological connectivity must be a key component of conservation strategies for C. thalictroides. We believe the creation of genetic landscape based on genetic datasets and connectivity assessment in relation to climate change will provide increasingly useful information and new implications for prioritizing the conservation of the endangered species.     

Dispersal corridors for plant species in the Poyang Lake Basin of southeast China identified by integration of phylogeographic and geospatial data

Measuring the dispersal of wildlife through landscapes is notoriously difficult. Recently, the categorical least cost path algorithm that integrates population genetic data with species distribution models has been applied to reveal population connectivity. In this study, we use this method to identify the possible dispersal corridors of five plant species (Castanopsis tibetana, Schima superba, Cyclocarya paliurus, Sargentodoxa cuneata, Eomecon chionantha) in the Poyang Lake Basin (PLB, largely coinciding with Jiangxi Province), China, in the late Quaternary. The results showed that the strongest population connectivity for the five species occurred in the Wuyi Mountains and the Yu Mountains of the eastern PLB (East Corridor) during the late Quaternary. In the western PLB, populations of the five species were connected by the Luoxiao Mountains and the Jiuling Mountains (West Corridor) but with a lower degree of connectivity. There were some minor connections between the eastern and the western populations across the Gannan Hills. When the corridors of five species were overlaid, the East Corridor and the West Corridor were mostly shared by multiple species. These results indicate that plant species in the PLB could have responded to the Quaternary climate changes by moving along the East Corridor and the West Corridor. Given that dispersal corridors have seldom been considered in the governmental strategies of biodiversity conservation in the PLB, preserving and restoring natural vegetation along these corridors should be prioritized to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic climate change by facilitating migration of plant species and other biota.     

Stretched to the limit; can a short pelagic larval duration connect adult populations of an Indo‐Pacific diadromous fish (Kuhlia rupestris)?

Freshwater species on tropical islands face localized extinction and the loss of genetic diversity. Their habitats can be ephemeral due to variability in freshwater run‐off and erosion. Even worse, anthropogenic effects on these ecosystems are intense. Most of these species are amphidromous or catadromous (i.e. their life cycle includes a marine larval phase), which buffers them against many of these effects. A long pelagic larval duration (PLD) was thought to be critical to ensure the colonization and persistence in tropical islands, but recent findings indicated that several species with short PLDs are successful in those ecosystems. To test the potential of a short PLD in maintaining genetic connectivity and forestalling extirpation, we studied Kuhlia rupestris, a catadromous fish species with an extensive distribution in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Using a combination of molecular genetic markers (13 microsatellite loci and two gene regions from mtDNA) and modelling of larval dispersal, we show that a short PLD constrains genetic connectivity over a wide geographical range. Molecular markers showed that the short PLD did not prevent genetic divergence through evolutionary time and speciation has occurred or is occurring. Modelling of larvae dispersal suggested limited recent connectivity between genetically homogeneous populations across the Coral Sea. However, a short PLD can maintain connectivity on a subocean basin scale. Conservation and management of tropical diadromous species needs to take into account that population connectivity may be more limited than previously suspected in those species.     

Comparative Population Structure of Two Deep-Sea Hydrothermal-Vent-Associated Decapods (Chorocaris sp. 2 and Munidopsis lauensis) from Southwestern Pacific Back-Arc Basins

Studies of genetic connectivity and population structure in deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems often focus on endosymbiont-hosting species that are directly dependent on chemical energy extracted from vent effluent for survival. Relatively little attention has been paid to vent-associated species that are not exclusively dependent on chemosynthetic ecosystems. Here we assess connectivity and population structure of two vent-associated invertebrates—the shrimp Chorocaris sp. 2 and the squat lobster Munidopsis lauensis—that are common at deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the western Pacific. While Chorocaris sp. 2 has only been observed at hydrothermal vent sites, M. lauensis can be found throughout the deep sea but occurs in higher abundance around the periphery of active vents We sequenced mitochondrial COI genes and deployed nuclear microsatellite markers for both species at three sites in Manus Basin and either North Fiji Basin (Chorocaris sp. 2) or Lau Basin (Munidopsis lauensis). We assessed genetic differentiation across a range of spatial scales, from approximately 2.5 km to more than 3000 km. Population structure for Chorocaris sp. 2 was comparable to that of the vent-associated snail Ifremeria nautilei, with a single seemingly well-mixed population within Manus Basin that is genetically differentiated from conspecifics in North Fiji Basin. Population structure for Munidopsis lauensis was more complex, with two genetically differentiated populations in Manus Basin and a third well-differentiated population in Lau Basin. The unexpectedly high level of genetic differentiation between M. lauensis populations in Manus Basin deserves further study since it has implications for conservation and management of diversity in deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems.     

A range wide geographic pattern of genetic diversity and population structure of Hexinia polydichotoma (Asteraceae) in Tarim Basin and adjacent areas

In order to investigate the genetic diversity and influence of climate oscillations on evolutionary processes of organisms in northwest China, we selected Hexinia polydichotoma, a species endemic to China, and examined the geographic pattern of genetic variation in its entire cover range, Tarim Basin and adjacent areas. In the study, 22 chloroplast (cp) haplotypes were identified based on two cpDNA sequences (trnH–psbA and ycf6–psbM), and five ITS sequence variations were found. Shown in the cp haplotype network, the two common cp haplotypes mainly distributed along the northern and southern rims of the basin respectively and intersected in the center of the basin, whereas in the ITS network, ITS genotype 1 was widespread across the whole distribution area, and rare genotypes were concentrated in the western rim of the basin. Genetic variation primarily occurred among populations and SAMOVA groups. Fragmented desert habitat may have caused gene flow barrier among populations or groups far from each other, leading to significant genetic differentiation at these levels. It appears that expansion and contraction cycles of river systems and oases during the middle Pleistocene was the source of the observed fragmentation. Geographic range expansion in H. polydichotoma was supported by the significant value for Tajima's D, Fu's F_S, and by a unimodal mismatch distribution. It was possible that the enlargement of the Taklimakan Desert during the middle Pleistocene may have provided appropriate conditions for the range dispersal. We identified western rim of the basin as the center of genetic diversity of H. polydichotoma based on the present dataset.     

Genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of Pinus strobus (Pinaceae) across an island landscape inferred from allozyme and cpDNA markers

The Beaver Island Archipelago (BIA) provides a model system to address the impact of long-term isolation on genetic diversity and gene flow. Low lake levels are assumed to have caused the BIA to be attached to mainland Michigan for at least 4000 years (10000 yr B.P.- 6000 yr B.P.), eventually, rising lake levels would have kept the islands isolated since 6000 yr B.P. If the island populations of a plant species in the BIA were indeed once continuous with the mainland of Michigan, then we would expect similar levels of genetic diversity in populations of such a species on the islands vs. the mainland. We compared levels of allozyme genetic diversity of 20 plots of Pinus strobus in the BIA with two mainland populations in northern Michigan. In addition, if pollen is a primary agent of gene flow across islands, a low degree of allozyme differentiation among the island populations of P. strobus in the BIA would be evident. Furthermore, since seed dispersal is more limited than pollen dispersal in P. strobus, a more pronounced spatial genetic structure (SGS) is expected in allozymes than in cpDNA markers. To gain insights on the pattern of seed and pollen dispersal among the 20 plots, we further analyzed spatial autocorrelation using Moran's I-statistics for both data sets [biparentally inherited, allozymes and paternally inherited, cpDNA microsatellites (cpDNA SSR)]. We found a similar level of allozyme variability in both the BIA (mean H _e = 0.080) and the two mainland populations (mean H _e = 0.078). As predicted, we observed a low but significant degree of genetic divergence among populations for allozymes (mean F _ST = 0.033 across 20 plots). Our allozyme-based SGS analysis revealed significant evidence of SGS (i.e. isolation-by-distance; slope β = ?0.194 from regression analysis of observed averaged Moran's I values against the logarithm of the upper bound of six distance classes). In contrast, little evidence of SGS was found in cpDNA SSR data across the BIA (β = 0.013). These results suggest that although gene flow via seed dispersal is somewhat limited, pollen flow has been sufficient to maintain genetic diversity and prevent differentiation across the island landscape over several thousand years of isolation.     

Do plant populations on distinct inselbergs talk to each other? A case study of genetic connectivity of a bromeliad species in an Ocbil landscape

Here, we explore the historical and contemporaneous patterns of connectivity among Encholirium horridum populations located on granitic inselbergs in an Ocbil landscape within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, using both nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers. Beyond to assess the E. horridum population genetic structure, we built species distribution models across four periods (current conditions, mid‐Holocene, Last Glacial Maximum [LGM], and Last Interglacial) and inferred putative dispersal corridors using a least‐cost path analysis to elucidate biogeographic patterns. Overall, high and significant genetic divergence was estimated among populations for both nuclear and plastid DNA (Φ_ST(n) = 0.463 and Φ_ST(plastid) = 0.961, respectively, p < .001). For nuclear genome, almost total absence of genetic admixture among populations and very low migration rates were evident, corroborating with the very low estimates of immigration and emigration rates observed among E. horridum populations. Based on the cpDNA results, putative dispersal routes in Sugar Loaf Land across cycles of climatic fluctuations in the Quaternary period revealed that the populations’ connectivity changed little during those events. Genetic analyses highlighted the low genetic connectivity and long‐term persistence of populations, and the founder effect and genetic drift seemed to have been very important processes that shaped the current diversity and genetic structure observed in both genomes. The genetic singularity of each population clearly shows the need for in situ conservation of all of them.     

Genetic divergence within the monotypic tree genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Platycarya</Emphasis> (Juglandaceae) and its implications for species’ past dynamics in subtropical China

Subtropical East Asia harbours a large plant diversity that is often attributed to allopatric speciation in this topographically complex region characterized by a relative climate stability. Here, we use observations of Platycarya, a widespread subtropical Asian tree genus, to explore the consequences of past climate stability on species’ evolutionary history in subtropical China. This genus has a controversial taxonomy: while it is now prevailingly treated as monotypic, two species have been originally described, Platycarya strobilacea and P. longipes. Previous information from species distribution models, fossil pollen data and genetic data based on chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) were integrated with newly obtained genetic data from the two putative species. We used both cpDNA (psbA-trnH and trnL-F intergenic spacers, including a partial trnL gene sequence) and nuclear markers. The latter included sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1–5.8S–ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and random genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using these nuclear genetic markers, we found interspecific genetic divergence fitting with the ‘two species’ scenario and geographically structured intraspecific variation. Using cpDNA markers, we also found geographically structured intraspecific variation. Despite deep inter- and intraspecific genetic divergence, we detected genetic admixture in southwest China. Overall, our findings of genetic divergence within Platycarya support the hypothesis of allopatric speciation. However, episodes of population interconnection were identified, at least in southwest China, suggesting that the genus has had a dynamic population history.     

Relative importance of pollen and seed dispersal across a Neotropical mountain landscape for an epiphytic orchid

Populations of many species are isolated within narrow elevation bands of Neotropical mountain habitat, and how well dispersal maintains genetic connectivity is unknown. We asked whether genetic structure of an epiphytic orchid, Epidendrum firmum, corresponds to gaps between Costa Rican mountain ranges, and how these gaps influence pollen and seed flow. We predicted that significant genetic structure exists among mountain ranges due to different colonization histories and limited gene flow. Furthermore, we predicted that pollen movement contributes more to gene flow than seeds because seeds are released into strong winds perpendicular to the narrow northwest–southeast species distribution, while the likely pollinators are strong fliers. Individuals from 12 populations and three mountain ranges were genotyped with nuclear microsatellites (nDNA) and chloroplast sequences (cpDNA). Genetic diversity was high for both markers, while nDNA genetic structure was low (F_STn = 0.020) and cpDNA structure was moderate (F_STc = 0.443). Significant cpDNA barriers occurred within and among mountain ranges, but nDNA barriers were not significant after accounting for geographic distance. Consistent with these contrasting patterns of genetic structure, pollen contributes substantially more to gene flow among populations than seed (m_p/m_s = 46). Pollinators mediated extensive gene flow, eroding nDNA colonization footprints, while seed flow was comparatively limited, possibly due to directional prevailing winds across linearly distributed populations. Dispersal traits alone may not accurately inform predictions about gene flow or genetic structure, supporting the need for research into the potentially crucial role of pollinators and landscape context in gene flow among isolated populations.     

Phylogenetic relationships among cultivated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zanthoxylum</Emphasis> species in China based on cpDNA markers

We here present a molecular phylogenetic analysis of cultivated Zanthoxylum species which have a long history of cultivation both for economic and for chemical values in China. Three cpDNA markers, including matK, rbcL, and trnL-F, were sequenced, with the goals of untangling phylogenetic relationships and inferring biogeographic origin and patterns of distribution among Zanthoxylum species. Based on three cpDNA markers, 19 haplotypes with 64 polymorphic sites in Zanthoxylum provenances were identified in our study. A low genetic differentiation (G _ST ?=?0.271, N _ST ?=?0.373) was observed within Zanthoxylum provenances. Based on phylogenetic tree and haplotype network, all 19 haplotypes were grouped into six clusters. Our results also supported the hypothesis that the so-called “Green Huajiao” belongs to the species Zanthoxylum armatum rather than Zanthoxylum schinifolium. The results also revealed that haplotypes of two cultivated species, Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Z. armatum, most probably diverged during the Late Miocene. Ancestral area reconstruction indicated that cultivated Zanthoxylum species experienced multiple long-distance dispersal events and several vicariance events and the ancestors of Zanthoxylum first colonized Yunnan and Guizhou provinces (D). Accordingly, the current disjunct distribution of Z. bungeanum and Z. armatum may represent long-distance dispersal of ancestors popularly named “Dahongpao” and “Qinghuajiao,” respectively. It is concluded that cpDNA markers may provide a new conceptual and practical opportunity to evaluate genetic diversity and to identify local cultivars of Zanthoxylum, making it a valuable source to include into potential breeding programs.     

The phylogeography of Fagus hayatae (Fagaceae): genetic isolation among populations

The beech species Fagus hayatae is an important relict tree species in subtropical China, whose biogeographical patterns may reflect floral responses to climate change in this region during the Quaternary. Previous studies have revealed phylogeography for three of the four Fagus species in China, but study on F. hayatae, the most sparsely distributed of these species, is still lacking. Here, molecular methods based on eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci of nuclear DNA (nDNA) and three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences were applied for analyses of genetic diversity and structure in 375 samples from 14 F. hayatae populations across its whole range. Both nDNA and cpDNA indicated a high level of genetic diversity in this species. Significant fixation indexes and departures from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, with a genetic differentiation parameter of R_st of 0.233, were detected in nDNA SSR loci among populations, especially those on Taiwan Island, indicating strong geographic partitioning. The populations were classified into two clusters, without a prominent signal of isolation‐by‐distance. For the 15 haplotypes detected in the cpDNA sequence fragments, there was a high genetic differentiation parameter (G_st = 0.712) among populations. A high G_st of 0.829 was also detected outside but not within the Sichuan Basin. Consistent with other Fagus species in China, no recent population expansion was detected from tests of neutrality and mismatch distribution analysis. Overall, genetic isolation with limited gene flow was prominent for this species and significant phylogeographic structures existed across its range except for those inside the Sichuan Basin. Our study suggested long‐term geographic isolation in F. hayatae with limited population admixture and the existence of multiple refugia in the mountainous regions of the Sichuan Basin and southeast China during the Quaternary. These results may provide useful information critical for the conservation of F. hayatae and other Chinese beech species.     

High genetic diversity and differentiation of an extremely narrowly distributed and critically endangered decaploid rose (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosa praelucens</Emphasis>): implications for its conservation

Rosa praelucens is a critically endangered decaploid alpine rose with an extremely narrow geographic distribution in Northwestern Yunnan, China. We sampled almost all the extant individuals (527 individuals in 31 natural locations and 56 individuals preserved in three local living collections) to assess the genetic variation and to probe the genetic connectivity among the individuals and populations based on three cpDNA intergenic spacers and six fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The morphological traits from seven populations were also measured. R. praelucens exhibited high levels of morphological variation, genetic diversity, and differentiation. The extant individuals were clustered into eight groups in neighbor-net networks, and subsequent Bayesian analysis assigned them into three larger gene pools, both in accordance with their morphological traits, especially flower color. The living collections embraced two private cpDNA haplotypes and included three out of the species’ total eight AFLP genotypes. Rhizome clonal growth, decaploid, and mixed breeding system may largely contribute to high genetic diversity and differentiation in R. praelucens. We concluded that the endangered status of R. praelucens may mainly be due to habitat fragmentation and loss and inherent reproductive difficulties, rather than low genetic diversity. The populations contributing higher cpDNA genetic diversity, representing more AFLP genotypes, and encompassing private cpDNA haplotypes should be given conservation priority by creating plant-micro reserves. The living collections should also be targeted for further ex situ conservation, population recovery, and reintroduction of R. praelucens plants.     

Spatial genetic analysis of two polyploid macrophytes reveals high connectivity in a modified wetland

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Progeny-testing of full-sibs IBD in a SSC2 QTL region highlights epistatic interactions for fatness traits in pigs

Background

Tetraena mongolica (Zygophyllaceae), an endangered endemic species in western Inner Mongolia, China. For endemic species with a limited geographical range and declining populations, historical patterns of demography and hierarchical genetic structure are important for determining population structure, and also provide information for developing effective and sustainable management plans. In this study, we assess genetic variation, population structure, and phylogeography of T. mongolica from eight populations. Furthermore, we evaluate the conservation and management units to provide the information for conservation.

Results

Sequence variation and spatial apportionment of the atp B- rbc L noncoding spacer region of the chloroplast DNA were used to reconstruct the phylogeography of T. mongolica. A total of 880 bp was sequenced from eight extant populations throughout the whole range of its distribution. At the cpDNA locus, high levels of genetic differentiation among populations and low levels of genetic variation within populations were detected, indicating that most seed dispersal was restricted within populations.

Conclusions

Demographic fluctuations, which led to random losses of genetic polymorphisms from populations, due to frequent flooding of the Yellow River and human disturbance were indicated by the analysis of BEAST skyline plot. Nested clade analysis revealed that restricted gene flow with isolation by distance plus occasional long distance dispersal is the main evolutionary factor affecting the phylogeography and population structure of T. mongolica. For setting a conservation management plan, each population of T. mongolica should be recognized as a conservation unit.     

Hybridization rate and genotypic diversity of apomictic hybrids between native (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Taraxacum japonicum</Emphasis>) and introduced (<Emphasis Type="Italic">T. officinale</Emphasis>) dandelions in western Japan

Hybridization between the introduced and native plants may enhance invasiveness, especially in asexually reproducing species. Hybrid apomictic dandelions between native (Taraxacum platycarpum and T. japonicum) and exotic (T. officinale) species are distributed widely throughout Japan. To estimate the origin(s) and dispersal of the hybrids, we investigated the hybridization rate and genotypic diversity in mixed populations of T. japonicum, T. officinale and their hybrids at two green parks in western Japan. Among the plants identified as exotics from flower morphology, 86–96% were hybrids by genetic analysis. Genetic data with simple sequence repeat markers revealed a high clonal diversity of the hybrid both within and between populations, indicating multiple origins. A hybrid seed was found from among the 1891 seeds collected from T. japonicum in the parks, indicating ongoing hybridization in the field. T. officinale and hybrids were genetically differentiated between the two parks independent of the ploidy level; the allele frequency of T. officinale and tri- and tetraploid hybrids were similar within each park but different between the two parks. This suggests that the origins of hybrids were similar within the park but different between the parks. Overall, our results suggest that hybridization, including backcross, is an ongoing process, and that genetically diverse hybrids with various origins have been spreading in western Japan, probably because hybridization enhanced invasiveness at native habitat.     

Fine scale spatial genetic structure of two syntopic newts across a network of ponds: implications for conservation

In this study we used genetic approaches to assess the influence of landscape features on the dispersal patterns and genetic structure of two newt species (Triturus macedonicus and Lissotriton vulgaris) living syntopically in a network of ponds. Multilocus genotypes were used to detect and measure genetic variation patterns, population genetic structure and levels of gene flow. We interpret results on the basis of the different dispersal properties of the two species and explored the influence of certain landscape features, such as road and channel networks, on population connectivity. We found marked differences in the spatial genetic patterns of the respective species, which can be explained by their different dispersal properties. The road network seems to act as a barrier to dispersal in the overland dispersing L. vulgaris, while the channel network maintains connectivity in the aquatic dispersing T. macedonicus. The simultaneous and comparative consideration of species in a given area offers a much better understanding of the processes that govern population dynamics and persistence, providing valuable knowledge useful in conservation and management design.     

Landscape effects on the contemporary genetic structure of Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) populations

The amount of dispersal that occurs among populations can be limited by landscape heterogeneity, which is often due to both natural processes and anthropogenic activity leading to habitat loss or fragmentation. Understanding how populations are structured and mapping existing dispersal corridors among populations is imperative to both determining contemporary forces mediating population connectivity, and informing proper management of species with fragmented populations. Furthermore, the contemporary processes mediating gene flow across heterogeneous landscapes on a large scale are understudied, particularly with respect to widespread species. This study focuses on a widespread game bird, the Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), for which we analyzed samples from the western extent of the range. Using three types of genetic markers, we uncovered multiple factors acting in concert that are responsible for mediating contemporary population connectivity in this species. Multiple genetically distinct groups were detected; microsatellite markers revealed six groups, and a mitochondrial marker revealed four. Many populations of Ruffed Grouse are genetically isolated, likely by macrogeographic barriers. Furthermore, the addition of landscape genetic methods not only corroborated genetic structure results, but also uncovered compelling evidence that dispersal resistance created by areas of unsuitable habitat is the most important factor mediating population connectivity among the sampled populations. This research has important implications for both our study species and other inhabitants of the early successional forest habitat preferred by Ruffed Grouse. Moreover, it adds to a growing body of evidence that isolation by resistance is more prevalent in shaping population structure of widespread species than previously thought.