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Genetic variation in small, isolated fern populations

Genetic variation in small, isolated fern populations Abstract. Differences in genetic variability of several small, isolated populations of four fern species in a restricted area in the Swiss lowlands reflect differences in breeding system, population size, the degree of population fragmentation, and ecological requirements. The investigated populations of Asplenium septentrionale show only little genetic variability (isozyme variation) without gene flow among populations (based on the banding pattern of multi‐locus phenotypes), and they persist for long periods despite the small population sizes. In Asplenium ruta‐muraria, genetic variability is correlated with age. Young populations show no genetic variation, while old populations show some. All individuals of Polypodium vulgare investigated, either epiphytic or epilithic, share exactly the same enzyme phenotype. The results for these three species can be related to predominance of inbreeding, lack of inbreeding depression, polyploidy, long‐distance dispersal, production of large amounts of diaspores, single‐spore colonization, and perennial life cycles. Genetic variability in these three species does not seem to be absolutely necessary for the maintenance of their populations. Ecological and demographic factors are considered to be more important. An isolated, glacial relict population of diploid Asplenium viride shows high variability in two out of eight enzyme systems, which may be due to prevailing outbreeding. We discuss aspects of the importance of genetics and life history for conservation biology. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Vegetation Science Wiley

Genetic variation in small, isolated fern populations

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References (51)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
1996 IAVS ‐ the International Association of Vegetation Science
ISSN
1100-9233
eISSN
1654-1103
DOI
10.2307/3236423
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Abstract. Differences in genetic variability of several small, isolated populations of four fern species in a restricted area in the Swiss lowlands reflect differences in breeding system, population size, the degree of population fragmentation, and ecological requirements. The investigated populations of Asplenium septentrionale show only little genetic variability (isozyme variation) without gene flow among populations (based on the banding pattern of multi‐locus phenotypes), and they persist for long periods despite the small population sizes. In Asplenium ruta‐muraria, genetic variability is correlated with age. Young populations show no genetic variation, while old populations show some. All individuals of Polypodium vulgare investigated, either epiphytic or epilithic, share exactly the same enzyme phenotype. The results for these three species can be related to predominance of inbreeding, lack of inbreeding depression, polyploidy, long‐distance dispersal, production of large amounts of diaspores, single‐spore colonization, and perennial life cycles. Genetic variability in these three species does not seem to be absolutely necessary for the maintenance of their populations. Ecological and demographic factors are considered to be more important. An isolated, glacial relict population of diploid Asplenium viride shows high variability in two out of eight enzyme systems, which may be due to prevailing outbreeding. We discuss aspects of the importance of genetics and life history for conservation biology.

Journal

Journal of Vegetation Science – Wiley

Published: Feb 1, 1996

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