Dioecy in Fitzroya cupressoides (Molina) I.M. Johnst. and Pilgerodendron uviferum (D. Don.) Florin (Cupressaceae)

The aim of this study was to determine the dioecious or monoecious condition of Fitzroya cupressoides and Pilgerodendron uviferum. The study area lies west of the Nahuel Huapi National Park in northern Patagonia (Argentina), where these species form mixed stands. One hundred individuals of each species were studied over three successive years. The nature and position in the crown of their reproductive organs were recorded. Results showed that both species are dioecious. This feature has been confirmed on trees of these species growing in other sites within their natural distribution area in Argentina and Chile.     

Pilgerodendron uviferum（柏科）及其相关类群叶角质层微形态特征的比较研究

在扫描电镜下观察了分布于南半球的柏科Cupressaceae单种属Pilgerodendron u viferum及其相关类群的代表种Austrocedrus chilensis、Libocedrus plumosa和Papuacedr us papuana叶角质层内外表面的微形态特征。发现Pilgerodendron uviferum叶角质层外表面 光滑,不具Florin环,而其余3个属的代表种均有明显的Florin环;且仅L.plumosa叶角质层外 表面有乳状突起。观察结果支持传统的观点,即将P.uviferum作为独立的属;不支持基于DNA 分析的结果,即将P.uviferum归并到Libocedrus属。发现Papuacedrus papuana叶角质层外表 面有许多明显的小凹陷,与其相对应的叶角质层内表面有凹陷的小狭缝,该性状以前未见报 道。     

The importance of seed trees in the dioecious conifer Pilgerodendron uviferum for passive restoration of fire disturbed southern bog forests

Biological legacies are important for ecosystem recovery following disturbance as demonstrated by studies in the northern hemisphere. Southern bog forests dominated by the conifer Pilgerodendron uviferum in Northern Patagonia are a typical case of an ecosystem with low resilience to disturbance by fire, which kills most trees and seeds, on which the species depends for regeneration. In this study, we hypothesize that the natural recovery of P. uviferum populations in burned areas is limited by seed availability and this limitation may be exacerbated by the dioecy of the species. Using a multi‐scaled approach, we quantified the seed dissemination potential from P. uviferum seed trees, assessed the suitability of substrates for the germination of seedlings, and finally analysed the spatial distribution of seed trees of the species at the landscape level. Our results indicate that 70 years after a fire on Chiloé Island (43°S), natural regeneration from seed trees can assist the recovery of P. uviferum populations following large‐scale fire disturbance, but their effect is limited at a landscape level owing to a low number of reproductive female trees (0.3 trees ha^?1) and limited seed dispersal (<20 m). In this context, a mixed passive‐active restoration approach that takes into account the spatial pattern and sex of seed trees could be the most effective and efficient option to restore not only P. uviferum forests in North Patagonia, but also other heavily disturbed forests with few remnant seed trees, in particular of dioecious species.     

Genetic structuring in Andean landlocked populations of Galaxias maculatus: effects of biogeographic history

Aim To test whether the genetic diversity of diadromous and landlocked populations of the small puyen Galaxias maculatus (known as jollytail in Australia and inanga in New Zealand) follow the same structuring patterns observed for migratory and non‐migratory species of the genus Galaxias. This work also aimed to test whether the genetic structuring of a group of populations could be predicted from differences in the geomorphologic history of the region they inhabit. Location Eight landlocked populations were sampled from cold‐temperate lakes in north‐western Patagonia. The study area could be split latitudinally into two sectors that differed in their geomorphology, each of them hosting four populations. The southern sector shows evidence of a higher degree of glacial coverage, and the lakes are probably remnants of a big proglacial palaeolake. Lakes in the northern sector, on the other hand, suggest no common origin. Results Significant genetic structuring was found among the studied populations (Θ = 0.188), being the highest value reported to date for the species. Significant correlation was found between genetic diversity and lake area and perimeter. Diversity also showed a slight latitudinal variation suggesting the presence of genetically distinct groups of populations. The comparison of populations from the two geographical sectors showed that those from the north had a higher diversity, more private alleles and strong structuring, while those from the south were less diverse and much more homogeneous. Main conclusions Non‐migratory populations of G. maculatus show much higher values of genetic structuring than those reported for diadromous populations. This follows the pattern seen when comparing migratory and non‐migratory species of Galaxias. This agrees with population genetics theory which predicts that restricted gene flow would result in greater among‐population divergence. Also, differences between northern and southern populations agreed with what was predicted by the geomorphologic history of the study area. During the Last Glacial Maximum ice cover in that region may have reduced the habitat of G. maculatus to a refuge with an impoverished gene pool. When the ice receded, leaving a great proglacial lake, that former population expanded and became fragmented after water levels descended. This resulted in present day lakes harbouring homogeneous populations with reduced diversity. The northern sector, in contrast, was less affected by glaciers, resulting in more geomorphologically stable lakes holding genetically diverse populations.     

Isozyme variation and recent biogeographical history of the long-lived conifer Fitzroya cupressoides

Aim Palaeoenvironmental records of Pleistocene glaciation and associated vegetation changes in Patagonia have led to the hypothesis that during the last glacial maximum (LGM) tree species survived locally in favourable habitats. If present populations originated from spread from only one refugium, such as an ice‐free area of coastal Chile (Single Refugium hypothesis), we would expect that eastern populations would be genetically depauperate and highly similar to western populations. In contrast, if the ice cap was not complete and tree species persisted in forest patches on both slopes of the Andes (Multiple Refugia hypothesis), we would expect a greater degree of genetic divergence between populations either on opposite sides of the Cordillera (Cordillera Effect scenario) or towards its present‐day southern distributional limit where the ice sheet reached its maximum coverage (Extent‐of‐the‐Ice scenario). Location We tested this refugia hypothesis using patterns of isozyme variation in populations sampled over the entire modern range of the endemic conifer Fitzroya cupressoides (Mol.) Johnst. (Cupressaceae) in temperate South America. Methods Fresh foliage was collected from twenty‐four populations and analysed by horizontal electrophoresis on starch gels. Results Twenty‐one putative loci were reliably scored and 52% were polymorphic in at least one population. Populations from the eastern slope of the Andes were genetically more variable than those from the western slope; the former had a greater mean number of alleles per locus, a larger total number of alleles and rare alleles, and higher polymorphism. Genetic identities within western populations were greater than within eastern populations. Discriminant analyses using allelic frequencies of different grouping schedules of populations were non significant when testing for the Single Refugium hypothesis whereas significant results were obtained for the Multiple Refugia hypothesis. Main conclusions Our results indicate that present Fitzroya populations are the result of spreading from at least two, but possibly more, glacial refugia located in Coastal Chile and on the southern flanks of the Andes in Argentina.     

Evolutionary history of the polyploid complex of Cardamine amara (Brassicaceae): isozyme evidence

 In samples from 56 populations of Cardamine amara, representing four diploid subspecies (subspp. amara, opicii, balcanica, and pyrenaea) and two tetraploid subspecies (subspp. austriaca and olotensis) from different parts of the European distribution area, four enzyme systems with 23 alleles were studied. These data, together with previous morphological and karyological data, suggest that the distribution and variation pattern within the species was strongly influenced by the last glacial period and postglacial migrations. Cardamine amara subsp. pyrenaea is monomorphic for a unique allele, and subsp. balcanica has a unique allele, too which, however, is not fixed in all populations of the taxon. Both taxa seem to be relic ones, although otherwise subsp. balcanica in respect of allelic spectrum much resembles subsp. amara. The other two diploid subspecies, subsp. amara and subsp. opicii, are not characterised by presence of unique alleles but differ in allele frequencies. The two tetraploid subspecies have different evolutionary histories. C. amara subsp. austriaca seems to be an autopolyploid derivative of subsp. amara which colonised open space offered by retreating glaciers in the Eastern Alps. C. amara subsp. olotensis from the Iberian Peninsula represents most probably a polyploid of preglacial time. Received June 22, 2001; accepted May 17, 2002 Published online: September 13, 2002     

Patterns of isozyme variation in relation to population size,isolation, and phytogeographic history in royal catchfly (Silene regia; Caryophyllaceae)

The distribution of genetic variation within and among plant populations is influenced by both contemporary and historical factors. I used isozyme analysis of band phenotypes to examine genetic structure in the rare prairie forb Silene regia. Relationships between current-day population size, isolation, and phenotypic variation were assessed for 18 populations in two regions with differing postglacial history. Western populations from unglaciated southern Missouri and Arkansas were more genetically diverse based on the Shannon-Weaver index (H) and a polymorphic index than were more eastern populations. These differences may be due to loss of variation with repeated founding of new populations in previously glaciated sites in Indiana and Ohio. Within the western region, population size was not significantly correlated with genetic variation. In the east, size was correlated with Shannon-Weaver diversity. There was no relationship between variation and isolation in either region, but eastern populations were slightly more differentiated. Greater among-population differentiation and the demonstrated connection between population size and variation in the eastern sites may reflect lower levels of interpopulation gene flow in the fragmented remnant prairies of Indiana and Ohio.     

Rhizonema sequoiae n.gen. n.sp. from Coast Redwood Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don) Endl.

Rhizonema sequoiae n.gen, u. sp. is described from the roots of Coast Redwood, Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl., growing near Lake Lagunitas, Marin County, California. Rhizonema females are annulated over their entire bodies, are wholly embedded in host tissue, and secrete an abundant amount of gel material. Mature females do not form a cyst. The vulva is located on a large posterior terminal cone, and the anus is on the dorsal vulval lip. Esophageal glands of the second-stage larvae fill more than half of the body cavity. Tails of the vermiform males are blunt, and a cloacal tubus is present.     

Growth rates in diameter,basal area,and height of Pilgerodendron uviferum; relationship between growth index and germination

Summary Increment borer samples taken at breast height in Pilgerodendron uviferum (Cupressaceae) trees growing in two Chilean forest stands near latitude 42° south were used to study growth rates in diameter, basal area, and height. Radial average growth is 0.51 mm/year in Santa Luci 0.44 mm/year in the Piuchué stand; the correlation between diameter and age is 0.79 in Santa Lucía and 0.64 in Piuchué. Similar results were obtained in the basal area/age relationship. Both groups of trees have a low rate of growth compared to rates obtained in other studies. Maximum values for radial growth (culmination age) are reached at 110 years of age in Santa Lucia and 50 years in Piuchue. Growth in height, averaging 5.8 cm/year, appears to be similar in all trees analyzed; occasional differences can be attributed to understory position of some trees. Comparison of radial growth and germination of Pilgerodendron plants shows a synchronous relationship, suggesting an influence of climate on the pattern of forest regeneration.     

The influence of history and contemporary stream hydrology on the evolution of genetic diversity within species: an examination of microsatellite DNA variation in bull trout,Salvelinus confluentus (Pisces: Salmonidae)

An understanding of the relative roles of historical and contemporary factors in structuring genetic variation is a fundamental, but understudied aspect of geographic variation. We examined geographic variation in microsatellite DNA allele frequencies in bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus, Salmonidae) to test hypotheses concerning the relative roles of postglacial dispersal (historical) and current landscape features (contemporary) in structuring genetic variability and population differentiation. Bull trout exhibit relatively low intrapopulation microsatellite variation (average of 1.9 alleles per locus, average He = 0.24), but high levels of interpopulation divergence (F(ST) = 0.39). We found evidence of historical influences on microsatellite variation in the form of a decrease in the number of alleles and heterozygosities in populations on the periphery of the range relative to populations closer to putative glacial refugia. In addition, one region of British Columbia that was colonized later during deglaciation and by more indirect watershed connections showed less developed and more variable patterns of isolation by distance than a similar region colonized earlier and more directly from refugia. Current spatial and drainage interconnectedness among sites and the presence of migration barriers (falls and cascades) within individual streams were found to be important contemporary factors influencing historical patterns of genetic variability and interpopulation divergence. Our work illustrates the limited utility of equilibrium models to delineate population structure and patterns of genetic diversity in recently founded populations or those inhabiting highly heterogeneous environments, and it highlights the need for approaches incorporating a landscape context for population divergence. Substantial microsatellite DNA divergence among bull trout populations may also signal divergence in traits important to population persistence in specific environments.     

Seed isozyme variation in Petrocoptis A. Braun (Caryophyllaceae)

The electrophoretic patterns of seven isozyme systems (ADH, AMY, AAT, GDH, LAP, MDH, and SOD) obtained from dormant seeds from 44 accessions belonging to 12 Petrocoptis taxa were compared in order to clarify taxonomic relationships within the genus. Overall, electrophoretic zymograms showed the presence of up 28 electromorphs, of which 26 were polymorphic among accessions. Mantel tests revealed a moderate level of correlation between the geographic distance matrix and several dissimilarity matrices based on the isozyme data (r=0.3052-0.3376). The electrophoretic profiles of seed isozymes did not match closely the analytical taxonomic framework drawn from morphology. Many electromorphs are widely distributed among Petrocoptis species, and since isozyme polymorphism is present within taxa, few species-specific markers have been found. However, a relationship between the geographic origin of the accessions and several electromorphs has been noticed. Isozyme data gave moderate support to the splitting of the genus into two groups previously defined on the basis of morphology and geographic distribution (western and eastern taxa). However, some samples belonging to P. hispanica and P. pseudoviscosa were somewhat intermediate between both groups as revealed by multivariate ordination techniques. Seed isozymes did not reveal any clear taxonomic grouping among western Petrocoptis species. In fact, no single segregate of this group is supported by the electrophoretic data.     

The Asian Golobinae (Mammalia: Cercopithecidae) as indicators of Quaternary climatic change

A reappraisal of the zoogeography and systematics of Asian colobines demonstrates marked discontinuities in their distribution. The Bornean proboscis monkey is separated by Sumatra from its sole congener on the Mentawai Islands. Pygathrix species have a discontinuous distribution at the range limit of the Asian Colobinae. The existence in the Himalayas of some disjunct relatives of the south Indian fauna, has obscured a wider disjunction in which for example, the hooded black leaf monkey, Semnopithecus johnii, has one subspecies in southern India and another in north Vietnam. A closely related Vietnamese leaf monkey is a subspecies of the otherwise Indonesian S. auralus. Presbytis comata is disjunct between west Java, northern Sumatra and northern Borneo. The Mentawai Islands P. potenziani is closely related. Biogeographic parallels imply a common cause and previous continuity across the intervening areas. The only wholly compatible explanation is that the disjunct areas alone retained adequate moisture and temperature to support their endemic biota during a cool drought. That not only genera, but species are disjunct, indicates such conditions prevailed recendy, and are probably attributable to the Pleistocene glaciations. The supposition that its maritime climate shielded Asian rainforest from the glacial drought known to have partially deforested Africa and South America, is inapplicable to the Indian subcontinent, and ignores the climatic effects of the emergence of the Sunda and the Sahul shelves. Such known influences, the distribution of drought indicator plants, fossil plants and fossil mammals, grassland birds and freshwater fish, and the anatomical specializations of Nasalis confirm the instability of the Asian environment. The absence of endemic representatives of certain primates in north Sumatra implies the occurrence of two cold droughts. Available evidence appears to correlate the deforestations with the abrupt curtailment of glacial Stages 7 and 5, at about 190 000 years BP and about 80 000 years BP. The greater significance of climatic than topographical barriers in delineating the Oriental zoogeographic region, and a rapid speciation rate, is implied. Morphological change is evidently generated by geographic dispersal, rather than geographic isolation.     

Genetic variation in five Mediterranean populations of Juniperus phoenicea as revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The assessment of the genetic variability and the identification of isolated populations within a given species represent important information to plan conservation strategies on a genetic basis. In this work, the genetic variability in five natural populations of Juniperus phoenicea, three from Sardinia, one from Cyprus and the last one in the Maritime Alps was analysed by means of ISSRs, on the hypothesis that the latter could have been a refugial one during the last glaciation. METHODS: ISSRs were chosen because of their ability to detect variation without any prior sequence information. The use of three primers yielded 45 reproducible, polymorphic bands, which were utilized to estimate the basic parameters of genetic variability and diversity. KEY RESULTS: All of the populations analysed harboured an adequate amount of genetic variability, with H(S) = 0.1299. The proportion of genetic diversity between populations has been estimated by G(ST) = 0.12. The three Sardinian populations are separated, as tested by AMOVA, from the Cyprus and the continental ones. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that geographical isolation has represented a major barrier to gene flow in Juniperus phoenicea. This work represents a first step towards a full genetic characterization of a conifer from the Mediterranean, a world biodiversity hotspot confronted with climate change, and thus contributes towards the planning of genetics-informed conservation strategies.     

Isolation and introgression in the Intermountain West: contrasting gene genealogies reveal the complex biogeographic history of the American pika (Ochotona princeps)

Aim We studied the history of colonization, diversification and introgression among major phylogroups in the American pika, Ochotona princeps (Lagomorpha), using comparative and statistical phylogeographic methods. Our goal was to understand how Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have shaped the distribution of diversity at mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) loci in this alpine specialist. Location North America’s Intermountain West. Methods We accumulated mtDNA sequence data (c. 560–1700 bp) from 232 pikas representing 64 localities, and sequenced two nuclear introns (mast cell growth factor, c. 550 bp, n = 148; protein kinase C iota, c. 660 bp, n = 139) from a subset of individuals. To determine the distribution of major mtDNA lineages, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis on the mtDNA sequence data, and we calculated divergence times among the lineages using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach. Relationships among nuclear alleles were explored with minimum spanning networks. Finally, we conducted coalescent simulations of alternative models of population history to test for congruence between nDNA and mtDNA responses to Pleistocene glacial cycles. Results We found that: (1) all individuals could be assigned to one of five allopatric mtDNA lineages; (2) lineages are associated with separate mountain provinces; (3) lineages originated from at least two rounds of differentiation; (4) nDNA and mtDNA markers exhibited overall phylogeographic congruence; and (5) introgression among phylogroups has occurred at nuclear loci since their initial isolation. Main conclusions Pika populations associated with different mountain systems have followed separate but not completely independent evolutionary trajectories through multiple glacial cycles. Range expansion associated with climate cooling (i.e. glaciations) promoted genetic admixture among populations within mountain ranges. It also permitted periodic contact and introgression between phylogroups associated with different mountain systems, the record of which is retained at nDNA but not mtDNA loci. Evidence for different histories at nuclear and mtDNA loci (i.e. periodic introgression versus deep isolation, respectively) emphasizes the importance of multilocus perspectives for reconstructing complete population histories.     

Patterns of genetic variation in US federal bison herds

Like many wide‐ranging mammals, American bison (Bison bison) have experienced significant range contraction over the past two centuries and are maintained in artificially isolated populations. A basic understanding of the distribution of genetic variation among populations is necessary to facilitate long‐term germplasm preservation and species conservation. The 11 herds maintained within the US federal system are a critically important source of germplasm for bison conservation, as they include many of the oldest herds in the USA and have served as a primary resource for the establishment of private and public herds worldwide. In this study, we used a panel of 51 nuclear markers to investigate patterns of neutral genetic variation among these herds. Most of these herds have maintained remarkably high levels of variation despite the severe bottleneck suffered in the late 1800s. However, differences were noted in the patterns of variation and levels of differentiation among herds, which were compared with historical records of establishment, supplementation, herd size, and culling practices. Although some lineages have been replicated across multiple herds within the US federal system, other lineages with high levels of genetic variation exist in isolated herds and should be considered targets for the establishment of satellite herds. From this and other studies, it is clear that the genetic variation represented in the US federal system is unevenly distributed among National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service herds, and that these resources must be carefully managed to ensure long‐term species conservation.     

Boeckella antiqua n. sp. (Copepoda,Calanoida, Centropagidae) from Patagonia

Boeckella antiqua n. sp. from samples collected in an ephemeral pond on the Patagonian plateau is described and illustrated. Diagnostic features of B. antiqua are almost exclusively related to the male fifth pair of legs, females being almost indistinguishable from those of the closely related B. poppei. The two-segmented, spine-bearing left endopod of the male fifth leg suggests that it may be the basal species in the genus.     

Life history variation in gametophyte populations of the moss Ceratodon purpureus (Ditrichaceae)

The life cycles of mosses and other bryophytes are unique among land plants in that the haploid gametophyte stage is free-living and the diploid sporophyte stage is ephemeral and completes its development attached to the maternal gametophyte. Despite predictions that populations of haploids might contain low levels of genetic variation, moss populations are characterized by substantial variation at isozyme loci. The extent to which this is indicative of ecologically important life history variation is, however, largely unknown. Gametophyte plants from two populations of the moss Ceratodon purpureus were grown from single-spore isolates in order to assess variation in growth rates, biomass accumulation, and reproductive output. The data were analyzed using a nested analysis of variance, with haploid sib families (gametophytes derived from the same sporophyte) nested within populations. High levels of life history variation were observed within both populations, and the populations differed significantly in both growth and reproductive characteristics. Overall gametophytic sex ratios did not depart significantly from 1:1 within either population, but there was significant variation among families in both populations for progeny sex ratio. Some families produced predominantly male gametophytes, while others yielded predominantly females. Because C. purpureus has a chromosomal mechanism of sex determination, these observations suggest differential (but unpredictable) germination of male and female spores. Life history observations showed that male and female gametophytes are dimorphic in size, maturation rates, and reproductive output.