Dissimilar patterns of genetic variation in two insular endemic plants sharing species characteristics, distribution, habitat, and ecological history

Abstract

Camssonia guadalupensis ssp. clementina (Onagraceae) and Cryptantha traskiae (Boraginaceae) share many species characteristics that affect levels and pattern of genetic variation. In addition, they have a similar distribution, are found in the same habitat, and share ecological history by virtue of co-occurring at nearly all of the locations at which they are found. All populations of the two taxa on San Clemente Island were surveyed for genotypes at 16 allozyme loci, revealing generally low levels of genetic variation. However, Cam. g. clementina has more genetic variation than Cryp. traskiae at the taxon level (P = 37.5 versus 18.8, A = 1.69 versus 1.31, and HE = 0.088 versus 0.003) and significantly more alleles and higher heterozygosity within populations (A = 1.09 versus 1.03, AE = 1.02 versus 1.00; HO = 0.013 versus 0.001 and HE = 0.017 versus 0.003). Some populations of each taxon are monomorphic at all loci. Much greater differentiation among populations occurs in Cam. g. clementina (GST = 0.810) than in Cryp. traskiae (GST = 0.042). Locations of the more variable populations of each taxon do not coincide, and the pattern of genetic similarity of localities differs in the two taxa. Striking population genetic differences exist between these taxa despite shared species characteristics, distribution, habitat, and recent history.