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Evidence of low gene flow in a neotropical clustered tree species in two rainforest stands of French Guiana
Author(s) -
Dutech C.,
Seiter J.,
Petronelli P.,
Joly H. I.,
Jarne P.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
molecular ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.619
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1365-294X
pISSN - 0962-1083
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-294x.2002.01475.x
Subject(s) - biology , gene flow , biological dispersal , rainforest , seed dispersal , genetic structure , ecology , genetic variation , gene , population , biochemistry , demography , sociology
The spatial genetic structure of the neotropical, clustered tree species Vouacapoua americana (Aublet) was studied in two natural forest stands (Paracou and Nouragues) in French Guiana. Using eight microsatellite loci, V. americana is characterized by a marked genetic structure at small spatial distances (under 30–60 m), in agreement with the limited seed dispersal by rodent species. Gene flow through pollen is also shown to be mainly restricted to less than 100 m. This result suggests that most pollination events (mediated through small insects) are probably limited to within‐patches of individuals, which might explain the high genetic differentiation among patches ( F ST = 0.11) separated by less than 2 km. We also assume that stronger genetic structure in Paracou is likely to be due to lower seed dispersal by rodents, large spatial distances separating patches, or a recent recolonization event.