Landscape Effects on the Genetic Structure of the Ground Beetle Poecilus Versicolor STURM 1824 |
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Authors: | Anna-Christine Sander Tobias Purtauf Stephanie I J Holzhauer Volkmar Wolters |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Animal Ecology, Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff Ring 26-32, D-35392 Giessen, Germany |
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Abstract: | The impact of landscape structure on the genetic structure of an abundant and widespread carabid beetle Poecilus versicolor was analysed in a low mountain range (Lahn-Dill-Bergland, Germany) by means of RAPD-PCR. Habitat patch and landscape characteristics
were included as independent variables into a GIS oriented correlative approach. Results indicated a high overall genetic
diversity of the beetle population and suggest that the mobility of P. versicolor is much higher than previously thought. An equilibrium among migration and genetic drift has not been reached yet, therefore
it is very likely that revealed differences in allele frequencies reflect current pattern of genetic diversity. Landscape
characteristics at a scale of 1000 × 1000 m surrounding each study site significantly affected the genetic population structure
of the carabid beetle, while it is only indirect affected by patch conditions. Opposite effects of grassland and arable land
on genetic diversity demonstrated that grassland in the surrounding landscape facilitates dispersal, while arable land apparently
decreases successful dispersal, but both factors increase population density on the study site. We conclude that the local
population genetic structure of a widespread and highly mobile species as P. versicolor is strongly affected by the amount of suitable habitat in a landscape of large habitat proportion. The inclusion of landscape
characteristics offers a powerful way for analysing effects on genetic diversity. Further studies on conservation genetics
should incorporate a landscape perspective in order to assess the loss of local genetic diversity. |
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Keywords: | Carabidae Landscape structure Land-use change Poecilus versicolor Population dynamics |
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