Abstract
Abstract In this study, we aimed to study the phylogeographic pattern of Juniperus sabina, a shrub species commonly occurring in the northern, northwestern and western China. We sequenced three chloroplast DNA fragments (trnL-trnF, trnS-trnG, and trnD-trnT) for 137 individuals from 16 populations of this species. Five chloroplast DNA chlorotypes (A, B, C, D, and E) were identified and they showed no overlapping distribution. The population subdivision is very high (GST= 0.926, NST= 0.980), suggesting a distinct phylogeographic structure (NST > GST, P < 0.05). Phylogenetic analyses of the five chlorotypes were clustered into three clades, consistent with their respective distributions in three separate regions: northern Xinjiang, western Xinjiang, and northern-northwestern China. However, within each region, the interpopulation differentiation is extremely low. These results as well as statistical tests suggested distinct allopatric differentiations between regional populations and independent glacial refugia for postglacial recolonization. The deserts that developed during the late Quaternary might have acted as effective barriers to promote genetic differentiation among these regions. However, the low diversity dominated by the single chlorotype within each fragmented region suggested that all current populations were derived from a common regional range expansion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
