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Fine‐scale genetic structure of the common Primula elatior (Primulaceae) at an early stage of population fragmentation
Author(s) -
Van Rossum Fabienne,
Triest Ludwig
Publication year - 2006
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.93.9.1281
Subject(s) - biology , biological dispersal , genetic structure , primula , population , inbreeding , seed dispersal , population fragmentation , gene flow , habitat fragmentation , ecology , fragmentation (computing) , small population size , genetic variation , botany , habitat , genetics , demography , sociology , gene
Many rare species are threatened by habitat fragmentation; however, less is known about effects of fragmentation on common species, despite their potential role in ecosystem productivity and functioning. We identified key factors and processes influencing gene flow in a large population of Primula elatior , a common distylous perennial herb, at an early stage of the fragmentation process, i.e., when fragmentation is taking place. Using 19 allozyme loci, we investigated genetic variation and fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) at seedling and adult life stages in relation to fragmentation history (recent bottlenecks), selection, clonal propagation, sexual reproduction (seed and pollen dispersal, distyly), and patchy structure (patch size, plant density, and morph ratio). The main factors contributing to the strong SGS are seed and (to a lesser extent) pollen dispersal, through a spatial Wahlund effect and biparental inbreeding. Significant differences in allele frequencies between seedlings and adults indicate a temporal Wahlund effect. Patch plant density and biased morph ratio also affect the genetic patterns. Our results show that if P. elatior populations evolve into patchworks of small, isolated remnants, genetic erosion, reduced gene flow, and increased inbreeding can be expected, suggesting that such common plant species might require large population sizes to remain viable.