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Population genetic structure of the rock outcrop species Encholirium spectabile (Bromeliaceae): The role of pollination vs. seed dispersal and evolutionary implications
Author(s) -
GonçalvesOliveira Rodrigo C.,
Wöhrmann Tina,
BenkoIseppon Ana M.,
Krapp Florian,
Alves Marccus,
Wanderley Maria das Graças L.,
Weising Kurt
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
american journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.218
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1537-2197
pISSN - 0002-9122
DOI - 10.3732/ajb.1600410
Subject(s) - biology , genetic structure , seed dispersal , biological dispersal , genetic diversity , population , ecology , gene flow , bromeliaceae , pollination , range (aeronautics) , genetic variation , pollen , gene , biochemistry , materials science , demography , sociology , composite material
PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Inselbergs are terrestrial, island‐like rock outcrop environments that present a highly adapted flora. The epilithic bromeliad Encholirium spectabile is a dominant species on inselbergs in the Caatinga of northeastern Brazil. We conducted a population genetic analysis to test whether the substantial phenotypic diversity of E. spectabile could be explained by limited gene flow among populations and to assess the relative impact of pollen vs. seed dispersal on the genetic structure of the species. METHODS: Nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers were used to genotype E. spectabile individuals from 20 rock outcrop locations, representing four geographic regions: northern Espinhaço Range, Borborema Plateau, southwestern Caatinga and southeastern Caatinga. F ‐statistics, structure , and other tools were applied to evaluate the genetic makeup of populations. KEY RESULTS: Considerable levels of genetic diversity were revealed. Genetic structuring among populations was stronger on the plastid as compared with the nuclear level, indicating higher gene flow via bat pollination as compared with seed dispersal by wind. structure and AMOVA analyses of the nuclear data suggested a high genetic differentiation between two groups, one containing all populations from the southeastern Caatinga and the other one comprising all remaining samples. CONCLUSIONS: The strong genetic differentiation between southeastern Caatinga and the remaining regions may indicate the occurrence of a cryptic species in E. spectabile . The unique genetic composition of each inselberg population suggests in situ conservation as the most appropriate protection measure for this plant lineage.