Genetic variation in natural populations of Anthurium sinuatum and A. pentaphyllum var. pentaphyllum (Araceae) from north‐east Brazil using AFLP molecular markers

Genetic variation was investigated using AFLP markers in 12 populations of Anthurium sinuatum and A. pentaphyllum var. pentaphyllum (Araceae) in north‐east Brazil, Amazonia and the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Two unique genetic patterns characterized the populations of A. sinuatum as a group, but no correlation between genetic and geographical interpopulation distance was found; the Amazonian population was not separated from that in Ceará. The isolated Ceará brejo populations of A. sinuatum were genetically distinct, but genetic diversity levels were similar to populations elsewhere, with no evidence of genetic erosion. Anthurium pentaphyllum populations were significantly different from each other; Bayesian genetic structural analysis found no common genetic pattern, but revealed genetic clusters unique to subgroups and individual populations in the Atlantic forest and French Guiana. Anthurium pentaphyllum and A. sinuatum can be distinguished genetically, but individuals of both species formed intermediate genetic clusters that blurred their distinction. We suggest that genetic mixing of A. sinuatum and A. pentaphyllum has occurred in north‐east Brazil, possibly connected with cycles of humid forest expansion. The weak genetic structure in A. sinuatum is consistent with the natural fragmentation of continuous forest areas, possibly during the Holocene. This study highlights the scientific importance of the highly threatened brejo forests for tropical American biogeography. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159 , 88–105.     

Demersal fish diversity of the isolated Rockall plateau compared with the adjacent west coast shelf of Scotland

This study compares the diversity of the demersal fish assemblage of an isolated shelf sea, the Rockall plateau, with that of the nearest adjacent continental shelf sea ecosystem, the west coast of Scotland. Bottom trawl surveys were carried out between 1986 and 2008 on the Rockall plateau and the adjacent shelf sea to the west of Scotland. All demersal fish were identified and counted. Analyses of species richness and abundance were undertaken. The fish assemblage of the Rockall plateau was less diverse and the proportional representation of species was markedly different. A number of species common at Rockall were rare on the west coast shelf and, in general, there were fewer common and temporally stable species and more rare and ephemeral species at Rockall. Some species absent from Rockall have life‐history stages associated with inshore habitat. The Rockall plateau fish assemblage can be described as an impoverished subset of the north‐west European shelf sea fish assemblage. It is likely that there are constraints on diversity imposed by the relatively small area of the Rockall plateau and its degree of isolation by depth, distance and ocean currents. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 104 , 138–147.     

A land snail's view of a fragmented landscape

Habitat fragmentation may influence the genetic structure of populations, especially of species with low mobility. So far, these effects have been mainly studied by surveying neutral markers, and much less by looking at ecologically relevant characters. Therefore, we aimed to explore eventual patterns of covariation between population structuring in neutral markers and variation in shell morphometrics in the forest‐associated snail Discus rotundatus in relation to habitat fragment characteristics. To this end, we screened shell morphometric variability and sequence variation in a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene in D. rotundatus from the fragmented landscape of the Lower Rhine Embayment, Germany. The 16S rDNA of D. rotundatus was highly variable, with a total of 118 haplotypes (384 individuals) forming four clades and one unresolved group. There was a geographic pattern in the distribution of the clades with the river Rhine apparently separating two groups. Yet, at the geographic scale considered, there was no obvious effect of fragmentation on shell morphometrics and 16S rDNA variation because G_ST often was as high within, as between forests. Instead, the age of the habitat and (re‐)afforestation events appeared to affect shell shape and 16S rDNA in terms of the number of clades per site. The ecologically relevant characters thus supported the presumably neutral mitochondrial DNA markers by indicating that populations of not strictly stenecious species may be (relatively) stable in fragments. However, afforestation after large clearcuts and habitat gain after the amendment of deforestation are accompanied by several, seemingly persistent peculiarities, such as altered genetic composition and shell characters (e.g. aperture size). © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 98 , 839–850.     

Cryptic divergent lineages of Pultenaea pauciflora M.B. Scott (Fabaceae: Mirbelieae) exhibit different evolutionary history

Genetic structure among disjunct population groups of Pultenaea pauciflora was assessed to determine the evolutionary history of this species as a basis for conservation management strategies. Analysis of individuals from all extant populations using 1737 amplified length polymorphism markers revealed two highly divergent genetic entities with strong geographical structuring. Populations located at Narrogin and Brookton clustered together in Bayesian assignment analysis with every individual optimally placed in a single cluster with complete membership. Genetic differentiation between populations in these two areas was very low. Populations at Boddington were highly divergent from those located at Narrogin and Brookton. All individuals from Boddington populations were optimally placed into a second cluster with complete membership. Populations located at Boddington maintain lower levels of allelic diversity, yet greater levels of mean heterozygosity than populations located at Narrogin and Brookton. The degree of genetic differentiation and different patterns of genetic diversity strongly suggest historical divergence and separate evolutionary influences on the two lineages that occur in different ecological habitat. These Evolutionary Significant Units are likely to represent two cryptic sister taxa in the extant populations currently recognized as P. pauciflora, and the reassessment of taxonomic and conservation status of both lineages is required. © 2013 State of Western Australia. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

Molecular and morphological variation of rare endemic oncocyclus irises (Iridaceae) of Lebanon

Oncocyclus irises endemic to Lebanon form a complex of three closely related taxa replacing each other over short geographical distances in a linear habitat. In order to characterize the appropriate taxonomic levels and to assess their conservation status, we investigated patterns of phenotypic variability and the partitioning of genetic variation within and among populations using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Multivariate analysis (principal components analysis and multiple correspondence analysis), based on 16 quantitative and six qualitative characters, revealed no separation between populations or taxa. Moreover, no morphological character could be used to define clear boundaries between populations/taxa. The genetic characterization revealed high levels of polymorphism and diversity (H_s). Principal components analysis showed population delimitations, but no groupings reflecting the currently defined taxa could be identified. Both morphological and genetic data showed that Lebanese oncocyclus irises could not be fitted into clear taxonomic boundaries. Consequences for conservation are discussed. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159 , 123–135.     

Assessing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genetic diversity using quality traits, amplified fragment length polymorphisms, simple sequence repeats and proteome analysis

The genetic diversity among 10 Iranian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes was analysed using 12 quality traits, 320 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) polymorphic fragments, 491 simple sequence repeats (SSR) alleles and 294 proteome markers. The results revealed that the genotypes differed for quality traits, AFLP, SSR and proteome markers. The average genetic diversity based on quality traits (0.684 with a range of 0.266–0.997) was higher than AFLP (0.502 with a range of 0.328–0.717), SSR (0.503 with a range of 0.409–0.595) and proteome (0.464 with a range of 0.264–0.870) markers. Although there were apparent similarities between the groupings of particular genotypes, the overall correspondence between the distance matrices appeared to be rather low. In this study, the cluster analysis based on AFLP data showed the closest agreement with genotypes’ regions of origin or pedigree information. In addition to the genetic diversity assessment, specific proteins with known function were detected uniquely for the studied genotypes. Our results suggest that the classification based on quality traits and genotypic markers of these wheat genotypes will be useful for wheat breeders to plan crosses for positive traits.     

Genetic footprints of habitat fragmentation in the extant populations of Sinojackia (Styracaceae): implications for conservation

Sinojackia, a member of the family Styracaceae, is an endangered genus endemic to China. The number of populations and population size of Sinojackia have decreased sharply because of habitat fragmentation and destruction. We studied the genetic diversity of extant populations in two different cohorts (adult and seedling) using eight microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic footprints of habitat fragmentation in four recognized Sinojackia spp. and to develop appropriate conservation measures. Data on intrapopulational genetic diversity suggest that Sinojackia populations have maintained relatively high levels of genetic diversity and low levels of genetic differentiation despite severe fragmentation. The high genetic diversity may be explained by the outcrossing mating system and high longevity of Sinojackia spp. The amount of genetic variation is not associated with population size, which was also supported by bottleneck analysis. In the species studied, there was no significant difference in the genetic diversity between the two cohorts analysed. However, inbreeding increased from adult trees to seedling populations, suggesting that the higher proportion of biparental inbreeding in the recent generations of seedlings is the result of restricted current genetic flow caused by habitat fragmentation. Average seed set per population was not significantly correlated with either population size or genetic diversity. Conservation management should aim to monitor inbreeding and outbreeding depression carefully to ensure the in situ and ex situ conservation of Sinojackia spp. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, ?? , ??–??.     

Multilocus microsatellite typing shows three different genetic clusters of Leishmania major in Iran

Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to analyse 25 strains of Leishmania major collected from cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in different endemic areas in Iran. Nine of the markers were polymorphic, revealing 21 different genotypes. The data displayed significant microsatellite polymorphism with rare allelic heterozygosity. Bayesian statistic and distance based analyses identified three genetic clusters among the 25 strains analysed. Cluster I represented mainly strains isolated in the west and south-west of Iran, with the exception of four strains originating from central Iran. Cluster II comprised strains from the central part of Iran, and cluster III included only strains from north Iran. The geographical distribution of L. major in Iran was supported by comparing the microsatellite profiles of the 25 Iranian strains to those of 105 strains collected in 19 Asian and African countries. The Iranian clusters I and II were separated from three previously described populations comprising strains from Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia whereas cluster III grouped together with the Central Asian population. The considerable genetic variability of L. major might be related to the existence of different populations of Phlebotomus papatasi and/or to differences in reservoir host abundance in different parts of Iran.     

Quaternary climate instability is correlated with patterns of population genetic variability in Bombus huntii

Climate oscillations have left a significant impact on the patterns of genetic diversity observed in numerous taxa. In this study, we examine the effect of Quaternary climate instability on population genetic variability of a bumble bee pollinator species, Bombus huntii in western North America. Pleistocene and contemporary B. huntii habitat suitability (HS) was estimated with an environmental niche model (ENM) by associating 1,035 locality records with 10 bioclimatic variables. To estimate genetic variability, we genotyped 380 individuals from 33 localities at 13 microsatellite loci. Bayesian inference was used to examine population structure with and without a priori specification of geographic locality. We compared isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by resistance (IBR) models to examine population differentiation within and among the Bayesian inferred genetic clusters. Furthermore, we tested for the effect of environmental niche stability (ENS) on population genetic diversity with linear regression. As predicted, high‐latitude B. huntii habitats exhibit low ENS when compared to low‐latitude habitats. Two major genetic clusters of B. huntii inhabit western North America: (a) a north genetic cluster predominantly distributed north of 28°N and (b) a south genetic cluster distributed south of 28°N. In the south genetic cluser, both IBD and IBR models are significant. However, in the north genetic cluster, IBD is significant but not IBR. Furthermore, the IBR models suggest that low‐latitude montane populations are surrounded by habitat with low HS, possibly limiting dispersal, and ultimately gene flow between populations. Finally, we detected high genetic diversity across populations in regions that have been climatically unstable since the last glacial maximum (LGM), and low genetic diversity across populations in regions that have been climatically stable since the LGM. Understanding how species have responded to climate change has the potential to inform management and conservation decisions of both ecological and economic concerns.     

Genetic distance predicts trait differentiation at the subpopulation but not the individual level in eelgrass,Zostera marina

Ecological studies often assume that genetically similar individuals will be more similar in phenotypic traits, such that genetic diversity can serve as a proxy for trait diversity. Here, we explicitly test the relationship between genetic relatedness and trait distance using 40 eelgrass (Zostera marina) genotypes from five sites within Bodega Harbor, CA. We measured traits related to nutrient uptake, morphology, biomass and growth, photosynthesis, and chemical deterrents for all genotypes. We used these trait measurements to calculate a multivariate pairwise trait distance for all possible genotype combinations. We then estimated pairwise relatedness from 11 microsatellite markers. We found significant trait variation among genotypes for nearly every measured trait; however, there was no evidence of a significant correlation between pairwise genetic relatedness and multivariate trait distance among individuals. However, at the subpopulation level (sites within a harbor), genetic (F_ST) and trait differentiation were positively correlated. Our work suggests that pairwise relatedness estimated from neutral marker loci is a poor proxy for trait differentiation between individual genotypes. It remains to be seen whether genomewide measures of genetic differentiation or easily measured “master” traits (like body size) might provide good predictions of overall trait differentiation.     

Analysis of the genetic diversity and structure of the Spanish apple genetic resources suggests the existence of an Iberian genepool

The nature and structure of genetic diversity in the Spanish apple germplasm preserved at the national level was widely unknown, since studies performed to date on this topic have been exclusively carried out at the regional scale. Here, 1453 accessions from Spanish collections of Malus × domestica were evaluated with a common set of 13 SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) markers in order to estimate genetic diversity, to identify the underlying genetic structure and to unravel the relationships among them and among a wide set of international cultivars for reference. In total, 737 unique genotypes were identified, 581 diploids and 156 triploids. Using a model‐based Bayesian clustering procedure, two reconstructed populations were obtained for diploid genotypes; one retaining only Spanish cultivars (42% of genotypes), and a second containing all foreign cultivars the latter exhibiting evidence supporting the existence of a secondary sub‐structure. Similarly, analysis performed on the 156 triploid genotypes also revealed two reconstructed populations; one exclusively associated with local Spanish genotypes (44%). The Jaccard coefficient allowed clustering by UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method) diploid and triploid genotypes, and remarkable differences in allelic composition among the different partitioning levels were found. AMOVA analyses showed moderate but significant differentiation among the main groups (0.08 ≤ F_ST ≤ 0.12). Our results highlight an important fraction of the Spanish apple germplasm that constitutes a differentiated genepool with respect to the international and commercial apple cultivars. Moreover, the extent of the Spanish genetic diversity was spatially distributed along the northern Iberian Peninsula, suggesting an extensive migration of genotypes along the country. This study is the first valuable action for genetic conservation of apple at the national scale, and constitutes a decisive step towards the definition of a Spanish core collection that will be useful for further studies in dissecting the genetic control of important horticultural traits through genome‐wide association analysis in apple.     

Analysis of microsatellite variation in the spider mite pest Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) reveals population genetic structure and raises questions about related ecological factors

The habitat fragmentation that characterizes agricultural systems made up of an array of sympatric crop and weed biotopes might be a major determinant of the population structure of plant‐feeding arthropods. Spider mites are interesting in this regard as several species are highly polyphagous, possibly generating homogenization by plant shifting, but also have the potential of forming host plant races which promotes specialization. This study analyses genetic diversity and structure in natural populations of a spider mite pest, Tetranychus turkestani, collected on both crops and weeds. Five microsatellite markers were used to genotype 283 individuals collected from 15 samples in four locations in southern France. The markers revealed considerable genetic variation, with an average heterozygosity of 0.68. Pairwise Φ_ST estimates calculated between localities showed differentiation in all comparisons. Although geographical distance appears to be a factor that influences T. turkestani population genetic structure at a regional scale, there was no clear evidence for differentiation between mites living on different host plants. A hierarchical analysis of the distribution of the genetic diversity within and between habitats showed that more than 97% of the observed genetic variation accounted for the differentiation between mites collected on the same host plant in a given locality. Significant heterozygote deficiency was found in 11 out of the 15 samples studied. Considering the biology of the mite, a Wahlund effect and inbreeding might explain such an excess of homozygosity. The data support the view that the plants in a given locality are colonized by mites that originate from diverse sources. They also support previous data suggesting that the demographic structure is made up of small demes of inbred individuals. The agricultural‐level implications of the data are discussed, notably the fact that mites may well be capable of moving between host plants, making weeds surrounding the crop fields potential reservoirs for the pest. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 82 , 69–78.     

Heterogeneity among Mycobacterium ulcerans from French Guiana Revealed by Multilocus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA)

Buruli ulcer is an emerging and neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Few cases have been reported so far in the Americas. With 250 cases reported since 1969, French Guiana is the only Buruli ulcer endemic area in the continent. Thus far, no genetic diversity studies of strains of M. ulcerans from French Guiana have been reported. Our goal in the present study was to examine the genetic diversity of M. ulcerans strains in this region by using the Multilocus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) approach. A total of 23 DNA samples were purified from ulcer biopsies or derived from pure cultures. MVLA was used in the study of six previously-described Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTR) markers. A total of three allelic combinations were characterized in our study: genotype I which has been described previously, genotype III which is very similar to genotype I, and genotype II which has distinctly different characteristics in comparison with the other two genotypes. This high degree of genetic diversity appears to be uncommon for M. ulcerans. Further research based on complete genome sequencing of strains belonging to genotypes I and II is in progress and should lead soon to a better understanding of genetic specificities of M. ulcerans strains from French Guiana.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna radiata</Emphasis> (L.) Wilczek genotypes based on nuclear ribosomal DNA and RAPD polymorphism

Mungbean germplasm characterization, evaluation and improvement are fundamentally based on morpho-agronomic traits. The lack of break-through in mungbean production has been due to non-availability of genetic variability for high yield potential. Forty-four genotypes of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek] were subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to assess the genetic diversity and relationships among the genotypes. Multilocus genotyping by twelve RAPD primers generated 166 markers and detected an average of intraspecific variation amounting to 82% polymorphism in banding patterns. Dendrogram obtained from cluster analysis delineated all the 44 genotypes into six clusters. Higher values of Nei’s gene diversity (h) and Shannon information index (i) and genetic distance analysis validate existence of wide genetic diversity among mungbean genotypes tested. Besides internal transcribed spacer (ITS) length variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (INDELS) were detected at number of sites in nuclear rDNA region and the sequences of representatives of each sub-cluster and all distinct genotypes have been submitted to NCBI database and assigned Gen accession numbers HQ 148136-148147. Multiple sequence alignment revealed further lineages of distinct genotypes with main RAPD clusters. The measures of relative genetic distances among the genotypes of mungbean did not completely correlate the geographical places of their development. The homogeneous phenotypic markers proved insufficient in exhibiting genetic divergence among mungbean genotypes studied. RMG-62, RMG-976, and NDM-56 have been identified as potential source of parents for crop improvement. RAPD primers, OPA-9 and OPA-2 as polymorphic genetic markers and number of pods/plant and number of seeds/plant as dependable phenotypic markers have been identified for improving yield potentials. This genetic diversity will be of significance in developing intraspecific crosses in mungbean crop improvement programme.     

Multilocus phylogeography of the flightless darkling beetle Nyctoporis carinata (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in the California Floristic Province: deciphering an evolutionary mosaic

The California Floristic Province (CFP) is considered a global biodiversity hotspot because of its confluence of high species diversity across a wide range of threatened habitats. To understand how biodiversity hotspots such as the CFP maintain and generate diversity, we conducted a phylogeographic analysis of the flightless darkling beetle, Nyctoporis carinata, using multiple genetic markers. Analyses of both nuclear and mitochondrial loci revealed an east–west genetic break through the Transverse Ranges and high genetic diversity and isolation of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Overall, the results obtained suggest that this species has a deep evolutionary history whose current distribution resulted from migration out of a glacial refugium in the southern Sierra Nevada via the Transverse Ranges. This finding is discussed in light of similar genetic patterns found in other taxa to develop a foundation for understanding the biodiversity patterns of this dynamic area. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99 , 424–444.     

Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellites reveal high diversity and genetic structure in an avian top predator,the white‐tailed sea eagle,in central Europe

We analysed 123 white‐tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) from (primarily central) Europe with respect to variability and differentiation based on 499 bp of the mitochondrial control region and genotypes at seven unlinked nuclear microsatellites. Variability was high (overall expected heterozygosity, haplotype and nucleotide diversity being 0.70, 0.764 and 0.00698, respectively) and both marker systems showed a subdivision into two main genetic clusters (microsatellites) or haplogroups (mtDNA). In line with earlier analyses focusing on populations from northern and eastern Europe, as well as from Asia, we found a high level of admixture in Europe and no signs of a bottleneck – despite a severe decline of white‐tailed sea eagle populations during the 20^th century. Europe is thus a global stronghold for this species not only with respect to the number of breeding pairs but also regarding the proportion of species‐wide genetic diversity. Our dense sampling revealed a possibly clinal variation within central Europe from north‐west to south‐east that was reflected by the distribution of mtDNA haplotypes as well as the two microsatellite‐based clusters. This population differentiation in central Europe probably originated from a geographically structured postglacial colonization and was later enhanced by recent demographic fluctuations. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99 , 727–737.     

Grain aphid population structure: no effect of fungal infections in a 2-year field study in Denmark

1 Sitobion avenae (F.) is a serious pest in Danish cereal crops. To understand the population genetic structure, aphids were sampled in seven different winter wheat (Triticum sativum Lamarck) fields throughout Denmark. The aphids were genotyped with seven microsatellite markers. In total, 2075 aphids were collected and 1203 of these were genotyped. 2 The Danish S. avenae populations displayed very high genotypic diversity, high percentages of unique genotypes and low linkage disequilibria; this is likely to be a result of genetic recombination encompassed by their holocyclic lifestyle. The populations showed very limited differentiation and no sign of isolation by distance. Almost all the genetic variation was ascribed within the populations rather than between populations, probably due to a high migration rate at approximate 10% per generation. 3 Seasonal changes in clonal diversity and distribution of asexual summer generations of S. avenae within the infestation period in a single winter wheat field were followed over two consecutive years by weekly sampling from 60 plots each of 20 × 20 m. Clonal diversity was high in all samples with no dominant clonal lineages and no significant difference in the genotypic diversity between weeks or between years. However, a temporal genetic differentiation effect, throughout the infestation, suggests that selective factors or high temporal migration play an important role in shaping the genetic structure S. avenae. 4 Analyses of fungal infected and uninfected aphids were performed to test whether some clonal linage were more often infected by fungi from the Entomophthorales under field conditions. In total, 54 progeny from aphids with Entomophthorales were genotyped and compared with 422 uninfected aphid genotypes. The Entomophthorales‐infected aphid genotypes did not cluster out together, suggesting that these fungal pathogens did not affect the population differentiation or clonal distribution of S. avenae in a Danish agroecosystem. 5 Our findings indicate that S. avenae populations can be controlled using conservation biological control     

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis indicates the importance of both asexual and sexual reproduction in the fissiparous holothurian Stichopus chloronotus (Aspidochirotida) in the Indian and Pacific Ocean

Asexual reproduction in the fissiparous holothurian species Stichopus chloronotus from eight populations between Madagascar and the Great Barrier Reef (total N=149) was investigated using Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers; and results compared to previous allozyme studies. Specifically, we tested the hypotheses that (1) genetic diversity in this species is reduced in the West Indian Ocean and that (2) some populations rely nearly exclusively on asexual reproduction. Using 21 polymorphic markers (obtained by two primer combinations) resulted in 51 genotypes in the whole sample, with up to 20 individuals (nearly all within populations) having the same genotype. These repeated genotypes most likely represent clones. In most populations, more than 50% of individuals were inferred to result from asexual reproduction. In two extreme populations, both of which are comprised nearly entirely of male individuals (Great Palm Island, Trou deau), only up to 20% of all individuals were sexually produced. Although, the genetic diversity in two populations of La Réunion was reduced, the fact that diversity is high in a third population and on Madagascar showed that low genetic diversity in S. chloronotus is not a general feature of the West Indian Ocean. Cluster analysis using Rogers genetic distance did not result in distinct geographic clusters. This supports previous suggestions that although asexual reproduction is important for the maintenance of populations, large distance dispersal of sexually produced larvae provides the genetic link between populations.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation in natural and reintroduced populations of Bencomia exstipulata and comparisons with B. caudata (Rosaceae) in the Canary Islands: an analysis using microsatellites

Variation at five polymorphic microsatellite loci was used to investigate genetic diversity and differentiation of two tetraploid Canarian endemics, Bencomia exstipulata and B. caudata. Data were analysed and are discussed in terms of tetrasomic (autotetraploid) and disomic (allotetraploid) inheritance. In both cases, genetic diversity values were similar to those described in other tetraploid plant species. High genetic differentiation between the only two described natural populations of B. exstipulata was detected (F_ST = 0.411). Bayesian cluster analysis revealed a geographical structure with distinct genetic groups from each island. High genetic differentiation and low genetic diversity of the B. exstipulata population from Tenerife suggest a recent population bottleneck, perhaps caused by the most recent major volcanic eruption, for this natural locality. This may be heightened by possible inbreeding depression and the monoecy of these species. Polymorphic microsatellite loci were also tested across all species in the Bencomia alliance. These reliably amplified the target sequence, suggesting a high degree of conservation of the sequences flanking the microsatellites. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160 , 429–441.     

Species‐level view of population structure and gene flow for a critically endangered primate (Varecia variegata)

Lemurs are among the world's most threatened mammals. The critically endangered black‐and‐white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), in particular, has recently experienced rapid population declines due to habitat loss, ecological sensitivities to habitat degradation, and extensive human hunting pressure. Despite this, a recent study indicates that ruffed lemurs retain among the highest levels of genetic diversity for primates. Identifying how this diversity is apportioned and whether gene flow is maintained among remnant populations will help to diagnose and target conservation priorities. We sampled 209 individuals from 19 sites throughout the remaining V. variegata range. We used 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci and ~550 bp of mtDNA sequence data to evaluate genetic structure and population dynamics, including dispersal patterns and recent population declines. Bayesian cluster analyses identified two distinct genetic clusters, which optimally partitioned data into populations occurring on either side of the Mangoro River. Localities north of the Mangoro were characterized by greater genetic diversity, greater gene flow (lower genetic differentiation) and higher mtDNA haplotype and nucleotide diversity than those in the south. Despite this, genetic differentiation across all sites was high, as indicated by high average F_ST (0.247) and Φ_ST (0.544), and followed a pattern of isolation‐by‐distance. We use these results to suggest future conservation strategies that include an effort to maintain genetic diversity in the north and restore connectivity in the south. We also note the discordance between patterns of genetic differentiation and current subspecies taxonomy, and encourage a re‐evaluation of conservation management units moving forward.