Germain-Aubrey, Charlotte , Soltis, Pamela S. , Gitzendanner, Matthew A. .
Comparative population genetics of species endemic to the highly fragmented central Florida scrub.
Rare species are often associated with low genetic diversity and decreased gene flow. This might be especially true for species that have experienced recent bottlenecks as a consequence of anthropogenic activity and habitat fragmentation, ultimately jeopardizing their long-term survival. With an exceptionally high level of endemism, the central Florida scrub is one of three biodiversity hotspots in the United States. Tragically, this habitat is threatened, and already an estimated 86% of it has been lost to anthropogenic activity. The origins of this diverse array of endemics are unknown, as are the genetic effects of past geological forces and potential recent bottlenecks as a consequence of anthropogenic activity and habitat fragmentation. We developed microsatellite markers for two species endemic to this ecosystem and conducted a comparative study of their genetic diversity, as well as their population structure and gene flow. We also compared those endemic species to their more widespread sister species to estimate the impact of habitat fragmentation on those species and ultimately, on this threatened ecosystem. This comparative approach allows us to identify patterns in genetic responses to the forces that shaped, and continue to shape, the present diversity of the central Florida scrub as well as provides genetic data for the management of these rare endemics.
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1 - University of Florida, Department of Biology, Florida Museum of Natural History - Dickinson Hall, P.O. Box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
2 - University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History, PO Box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7800, USA
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Location: 556A/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 8:45 AM