Genetic differentiation among sea trout, Salmo trutta L., populations from western Norway

Samples of sea trout, Salmo trutta L., were collected by electrofishing in eight rivers of western Norway. The samples consisted mainly of presmolt, but also contained some spawners. Muscle, eye and liver tissue were sampled and analysed for allozyme polymorphism by standard starch gel electrophoresis. Nine polymorphic loci were found. The genotype as well as the allele distributions was significantly different in all but six pair‐wise comparisons, showing the high degree of population differentiation in this anadromous species. Even some nearby rivers displayed very different allele frequencies. The correlation between genetic and geographic distances was nearly significant.     

Genetic differentiation between close eastern Mediterranean Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) populations

Differentiation at nine microsatellite loci revealed that a Levantine Basin sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax population probably represents a further subdivision of this species in the eastern Mediterranean.     

Genetic differentiation among three neighboring Brazil-cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) populations within the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest

Eugenia uniflora L. (pitanga) is widely distributed in tropical areas. It is present in coastal vegetation from Ceara, in northeastern Brazil, to Rio Grande do Sul, at the southern tip of the country. Eugenia uniflora is of ecological importance, both as colonizing species on disturbed land and as food supplier for a wide variety of insects, birds and mammals. Pitanga plays a role in the maintenance of shrubby coastal ecosystems, especially at disturbed sites, and in 'restinga' ecosystems, at the interface between low forest and strand vegetation. To investigate the genetic diversity residing within the species, three neighboring populations at a distance of less than 24 km from each other, with varying degrees of human impact, were studied. The level of genetic diversity within and between populations was assessed with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) methodology. A total of 532 AFLP markers were analyzed in 66 individual trees. The polymorphism level varied from 61.2 to 96% depending on the primer combination used. Intra- and inter-population genetic diversity analysis showed that more than 88% of the variation resided within the populations, with a G_st of 0.123. Nevertheless, using neighbor joining (NJ) and principal component analysis (PCA), on the genetic distance (GD) data, permitted the three analyzed populations to be differentiated.     

In situ gynogenetic haploid plants of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) after intergeneric hybridization with Cicerbita alpina Walbr.

The possibility of obtaining haploid plants of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) was investigated through intergeneric hybridization. Chicory plants (industrial chicory and Chioggia) were pollinated with pollen of Lactuca tatarica L. and Cicerbita alpina Walbr. Many achenes contained embryos which were rescued in vitro. Only a few embryos developed into plants which were then acclimatized in soil. Among them, three expressed a chicory phenorype and were haploidAbbreviations DAPI 4,6-diamidinophenylindole - DH doubled haploid - DNA deoxyribonucleic acid - GUS ß glucuronidase - RFLP Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism - X-Gluc 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-glucuronide - mtDNA mitochondrial DNA     

Genetic differentiation processes among the populations in India

The genetic variability in Indian populations is examined on the basis of the study of Tf, Gc, Gm, and Km polymorphisms. This variability is not associated with fluctuations, but is related to population history (mainly to migrations, hybrydization and caste endogamy). When genetic distances are calculated, Northern, Southern and Western Indian poplations show closer resemblances to Western Asian populations, while Eastern Indian populations are more similar to Mongoloid peoples.     

Morphological differentiation among populations of Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Anura) in western Mexico

Conspecific populations inhabiting different environments may exhibit morphological differences, potentially reflecting differential local adaptation. In anuran amphibians, morphology of the pelvis and hindlimbs may often experience strong selection due to effects on locomotion. In this study, we used the cane toad Rhinella marina to test the hypothesis that populations experiencing a higher abundance of predators should suffer higher mortality rates and exhibit morphological traits associated with enhanced locomotor performance (narrower pelvis and head, longer pelvis and hindlimbs, shorter presacral vertebral column). We investigated inter-population variation in survival rate, abundance of predators, and body shape across five populations in rivers in western Mexico. We conducted (1) mark-recapture experiments to calculate survival rates, (2) linear transects with point counts to estimate abundance of predatory spiders, snakes, and birds, and (3) geometric morphometric analyses to investigate body shape variation. We found significant differences among populations in survival rates, abundance of predators, and body shape. However, these three variables were not necessarily inter-related. Increased predator abundance did not result in decreased survival rates, suggesting other causes of mortality affect these populations. While some morphological differences supported our predictions (trend for longer pelvis, shorter presacral vertebral column, and narrower head in sites with increased abundance of spiders and snakes), other aspects of morphology did not. We discuss alternative explanations for the lack of clear associations between predation, survival, and morphology.     

The distribution of genetic variation in Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) populations in the western Alps

Aim  In order to look for a possible centre of survival for the Norway spruce ( Picea abies Karst.) in the south-western Alps, six natural populations of this area were investigated by means of genetic markers in order to assess the degree and the distribution of genetic diversity within the species.
Location  Western and South-western Alps.
Methods  Populations were genotyped using seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Basic population genetics parameters were estimated and the amount of genetic differentiation calculated.
Results  A large amount of variability was found (0.59 <  H _e < 0.67); genetic differentiation as measured by F _ST was 0.05, close to other similar studies; no isolation by distance was detected by a Mantel test. Analysis of molecular variance confirmed a high degree of variability within populations and a low degree of variability among populations. Finally, the number of populations from which those observed could have arisen was estimated by Bayesian analysis.
Main conclusions  The results presented here suggest that the present populations derive their genetic make-up from three inferred clusters. The possible existence in this area of a relict/refuge population during the last glaciation is discussed.     

Genetic differentiation among populations of marine algae

Most of the information for genetic differentiation among populations of marine algae is from studies on ecotypic variation. Physiological ecotypes have been described for individuals showing different responses to temperature and salinity conditions. Morphological ecotypes have also been found associated with areas differing in wave exposure or different intertidal positions. Little is known on how genetic variation is organized within and between populations of marine algae. The occurrence of ecotypic variation in some species is evidence for genetic differentiation among populations resulting from selection by the local environment. The rate of dispersal and subsequent gene flow will also affect the level of differentiation among populations. In species with low dispersal, differentiation can arise through chance founder events or random genetic drift. The few studies available have shown that species of algae exhibit a range of dispersal capabilities. This information can be useful for predicting the potential level of genetic differentiation among populations of these species. Crossing experiments with several species of algae have shown that populations separated by a considerable distance can be interfertile. In some cases individuals from these populations have been found to be morphologically distinct. Crosses have been used to study the genetic basis of this variation and are evidence for genetic differentiation among the populations sampled. Genetic variation of enzyme proteins detected by electrophoresis provides an additional method for measuring genetic variation within and between populations of marine algae. Electrophoretic methods have previously been used to study systematic problems in algae. However, there have been few attempts to use electrophoretic variation to study the genetic structure of populations of marine algae. This approach is outlined and includes some of the potential problems associated with interpreting electrophoretic data. Studies of electrophoretic variation in natural populations ofEnteromorpha linza from Long island Sound are used as an example. This species was found to reproduce only asexually. Despite a dispersing spore stage, genetic differentiation was found on a microgeographic scale and was correlated with differences in the local environment of some of the populations. Similar studies on other species, and especially sexually reproducing species, will add to a growing understanding of the evolutionary genetics of marine algae.Paper presented at the Seaweed Biogeography Workshop of the International Working Group on Seaweed Biogeography, held from 3–7 April 1984 at the Department of Marine Biology, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (The Netherlands). Convenor: C. van den Hoek.     

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.     

Genetic differentiation among local populations of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in mosaic habitats

Tissue samples from 160 European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus , representing eight small populations from a highly fragmented landscape in Oxfordshire, UK, were screened for polymorphism at six microsatellite loci. Permutation analysis of allelic compositions revealed no evidence for linkage disequilibrium among loci. Genotype proportions within populations and at five loci did not differ from those expected at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. However, significant heterozygote deficit and amplification failure of several samples necessitated removal of one locus from the analysis. Mean observed heterozygosity was 0.70. Average Rho _ST was 0.079 and differed significantly from zero, suggesting restricted gene flow among local populations. Pairwise Nm values and geographical distance were not correlated, indicating that factors other than distance affected dispersal.     

Genetic differentiation of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. populations estimated by RAPD and ISSR markers

Abstract

Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth., a popular multi‐purpose legume tree species, has a wide distribution throughout the Indian subcontinent. The species is highly valued for its quality timber, gum yield and therapeutical uses. However, the increasing social and economical pressures are devastating the natural stands of A. lebbeck forests. So, there is a need to estimate the genetic variation present in A. lebbeck populations. Both RAPD and ISSR molecular markers were used to analyse 172 individuals representing eight populations of the species in different geographical range. The within‐population genetic diversity ranged from 1.23 to 1.38. The total gene variability was 0.34 of which 0.17 (50%) accounted for within‐population gene variability. The genetic differentiation between populations (Gst = 0.49) was significantly correlated to geographical distance (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). An UPGMA clustering suggests a high level of genetic isolation due to distance. This study revealed the genetic differentiation which will provide a template for adaptation and evolution of the populations and species.     

湖北野生天麻的遗传分化及栽培天麻种质评价

采用7条ISSR引物对天麻(Gastrodiaelata)8个自然居群和6个人工栽培居群共483个样本的居群遗传多样性进行了初步检测,共检测出清晰、重复性好的DNA带77条,其中64条为多态性带,总多态位点百分比PPB=83.12%。遗传多样性分析结果表明:天麻自然居群的遗传多样性参数分别为:多态位点百分比PPB=59.09%,有效等位基因数Ae=1.29,Nei’s遗传多样度H=0.176,Shannon’s多态信息指数I=0.270,明显高于人工栽培居群(PPB=35.71%,Ae=1.16,H=0.100,I=0.155),揭示出栽培居群存在明显的遗传基础狭窄和遗传均质性问题。UPGMA聚类分析表明,自然居群与栽培居群存在明显的分化而分别聚为两大类群。自然居群间基因分化系数GST=0.2558,与AMOVA分析所揭示的居群间遗传变异量占总变异的27.25%的结果相近,说明天麻自然居群间亦存在一定程度的遗传分化;居群间基因流(Nm)为1.4547,相对较弱,可能对自然居群的遗传分化有一定影响。自然居群聚类结果显示出一定程度的地理区域聚类趋势,但Mantel检验表明自然居群间遗传距离与地理距离并不存在显著相关(r=0.1669,P=0.2110),揭示出天麻自然居群的分化现状可能是其生活史特性、地理隔离与人为破坏综合作用的结果。栽培居群的遗传均质化趋势,揭示了引种驯化的瓶颈效应和长期无性繁育所导致的遗传多样性丧失,也反映出栽培天麻种质的遗传基础狭窄。而栽培居群与自然居群间存在着明显的遗传分化,反映天麻栽培居群与自然居群间可能存在基因流的阻断。     

Genetic diversity and geographic differentiation in the alternative legume Tripodion tetraphyllum (L.) Fourr. in North African populations

Wild legumes constitute an important component of widespread pastures in the Mediterranean basin. This region is experiencing remarkable effects from climate change, and continuous monitoring of species and population dynamics is important in order to plan and enact valuable conservation programmes. Tripodion tetraphyllum (L.) Fourr. [=Anthyllis tetraphylla L.] (2n=16), belongs to the tribe Loteae (Fabaceae), and could be very important for soil protection and sward improvement in abandoned or degraded Mediterranean areas. This alternative pasture legume is very closely related to Lotus japonicus and has some important characteristics for survival of the species in difficult and overgrazed Mediterranean areas. In this study, we have investigated the molecular diversity and population structure of T. tetraphyllum from North Africa using ISSR markers and plastidial microsatellites. To date, this is the first study concerning the genetic diversity and geographic differentiation of T. tetraphyllum. Ninety genotypes from three North African countries were analysed according to ISSRs, cpSSRs and one phenotypic trait. T. tetraphyllum shows a clear geographical structure, with differentiation associated with longitudinal differences; moreover, there is a general reduction in genetic diversity from Morocco to Tunisia. With all the markers used, strong differentiation was seen among collection sites. Our data highlight a genetic diversity gradient and cline of distribution, indicating that T. tetraphyllum has extended its area of distribution from Morocco to Tunisia.     

Genetic differentiation among local populations of Asian elephant

Electrohoretically detectable enetic variation for 29 kinds of blood protein encoded by 33 loci was analyzed for 78 Asian eletants (Elephas maximus) which were collected from its four local populations: Sri Lanka, Souti India, Thailand and Nepal. Elehants in Sri Lanka are classified into the subspecies E.m. maximus, and those from the other tlree localities into the subspecies E. m. indicus. Six variable loci were detected, and one of them, the tetrazolium oxidase locus, was observed to show a complete allele substitution between the subspecies. Average heterozgosity within local populations were in a range of 0.0152 ? 0.0303. Whereas the Nei's genetic distance among three local populations of the subspecies indicus were 0.0013 ? 0.0031, the distance between the subspecies indicus and maximus were 0.0328 ? 0.0370, indicating that the two subspecies were well differentiated genetically.     

Genetic and morphological divergence between populations of the flatfish Platichthys flesus (L.) (Pleuronectidae)

Populations of the flounder, Platichthys flesus , were screened for electrophoretically detectable protein variation at up to 37 loci. Atlantic and North Sea populations (subspecies flesus ) were genetically very similar to one another ( I >0.99) but different from Adriatic (subspecies italicus ) and Black Sea (subspecies luscus ) populations. The values for genetic identity between subspecies were around 0.9. Diagnostic loci enabled specimens of flesus, italicus and luscus to be differentiated from one another. Samples of flesus showed two to three times the heterozygosity levels of italicus or luscus , consistent with the greater population size of flesus . Morphological comparisons enabled populations to be categorized to subspecies. Platichthys flesus italicus and luscus are valid subspecies: the terms are not synonyms. The genetic distance data provide an estimate of divergence time of the three subspecies at about 2 My ago, an estimate that seems reasonable in the light of present knowledge concerning the recent geological histories of the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins.     

Variation in body colour in western Irish populations of Cepaea nemoralis (L.)

Samples of Cepaea nemoralis (L.) taken from sand-dune, lowland and mountain populations show differences in body colour. Overall, sand-dune populations are much paler than those in the other two areas. On sand-dunes, darker and more variable populations are found in densely vegetated habitats; in the lowland, darker forms occur further inland but there is no correlation with vegetation; mountain populations are darker and less variable on north- than south-facing slopes. Overall differences between areas can be ascribed to climatic selection and differences in variation within areas to niche width.     

Genetic differentiation among North Atlantic killer whale populations

Population genetic structure of North Atlantic killer whale samples was resolved from differences in allele frequencies of 17 microsatellite loci, mtDNA control region haplotype frequencies and for a subset of samples, using complete mitogenome sequences. Three significantly differentiated populations were identified. Differentiation based on microsatellite allele frequencies was greater between the two allopatric populations than between the two pairs of partially sympatric populations. Spatial clustering of individuals within each of these populations overlaps with the distribution of particular prey resources: herring, mackerel and tuna, which each population has been seen predating. Phylogenetic analyses using complete mitogenomes suggested two populations could have resulted from single founding events and subsequent matrilineal expansion. The third population, which was sampled at lower latitudes and lower density, consisted of maternal lineages from three highly divergent clades. Pairwise population differentiation was greater for estimates based on mtDNA control region haplotype frequencies than for estimates based on microsatellite allele frequencies, and there were no mitogenome haplotypes shared among populations. This suggests low or no female migration and that gene flow was primarily male mediated when populations spatially and temporally overlap. These results demonstrate that genetic differentiation can arise through resource specialization in the absence of physical barriers to gene flow.     

Genetic diversity within and among populations of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.)

Shortleaf pine (n = 93) and loblolly pine (n = 112) trees representing 22 seed sources or 16 physiographic populations were sampled from Southwide Southern Pine Seed Source Study plantings located in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The sampled trees were grown from shortleaf pine and loblolly pine seeds formed in 1951 and 1952, prior to the start of intensive forest management across their native ranges. Amplification fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were developed and used to study genetic diversity and its structure in these pine species. After screening 48 primer pairs, 17 and 21 pairs were selected that produced 794 and 647 AFLPs in shortleaf pine and loblolly pine, respectively. High-AFLP-based genetic diversity exists within shortleaf pine and loblolly pine, and most (84.73% in shortleaf pine; 87.69% in loblolly pine) of this diversity is maintained within physiographic populations. The high value of unbiased measures of genetic identity and low value of genetic distance for all pairwise comparisons indicates that the populations have similar genetic structures. For shortleaf pine, there was no significant correlation between geographic distance and genetic distance (r = 0.28), while for loblolly pine there was a weak but significant correlation (r = 0.51).     

Genetic differentiation among various populations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)

Genetic variation among 14 populations of Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) from USA (Geneva, New York), Brazil (Brasilia), Japan (Okayama), The Philippines (Caragan de Oyo), Uzbekistan (Tashkent), France (Montpellier), Benin (Cotonou), South Africa (Johannesburg), Réunion Island (Montvert), and five localities in Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane, Mareeba, Melbourne, Sydney) were assessed by analysis of allozyme frequencies at seven polymorphic loci. Most of the populations were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and had a deficit in heterozygotes. The global differentiation among populations was estimated by the fixation index (Fst) at 0.103 for the 14 populations and at 0.047 when populations from Australia and Japan, which differed most and had a strong genetic structure, were excluded from the analysis. By contrast, the populations from Benin (West Africa) and Brazil (South America) were very similar to each other. Genetic differentiation among the populations was not correlated with geographical distance.