Abstract
Evolutionary analyses have been widely used for evaluation of genetic diversity of natural populations and correlate these data to the fitness of the species, especially in the case of threatened species. Calydorea crocoides occurs in a restricted area at altitudes from 800 to 1500 m in southern Brazil and is considered endangered. A study assessing genetic diversity, cytogenetic features and ecological niche was performed aiming to characterize C. crocoides by multidisciplinary approaches. Molecular data highlighted that most of the total variation (76%; p < 0.001) was found within populations and the parameters of genetic diversity were high at the species level (PPB = 98.97%; I = 0.4319; h = 0.2821). Gene flow (Nm) was estimated in 0.97 individuals per generation. Cytogenetically, C. crocoides presents a bimodal karyotype and low asymmetry. DAPI banding pattern was uniform, but the CMA-signal evidenced a pericentric inversion in the population ESC688. The species presents high pollen viability and two different morphologies of pollen grains. Our data showed high levels of polymorphism maintained in this species that could ensure conservationist practices in which the main goal is to preserve the evolutionary potential of the species through the maintenance of genetic diversity.
Highlights
Natural populations can be affected by several relevant factors such as mating system, population density, microhabitat selection, besides historical events, as disturbance and colonization
Considering that C. crocoides is a species of restricted distribution, could one expect a lower genetic diversity than for species displaying a wide geographic distribution? Taking into account its distribution pattern, the genetic differentiation among populations would be high or low? And how is the fertility of the populations? The present study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and differentiation of natural populations of C. crocoides, having as specific aims to (a) evaluate the levels of genetic diversity in natural populations, (b) determine the degree of differentiation among populations, (c) characterize them cytogenetically, (d) analyze pollen viability of the populations, and (e) identify the potential distribution focused on suitable habitats for the species
The results reported in this study showed that the surveyed populations of Calydorea crocoides have singular characteristics that emphasized that planning is necessary for in situ maintenance of this species
Summary
Natural populations can be affected by several relevant factors such as mating system, population density, microhabitat selection, besides historical events, as disturbance and colonization. Investigating these factors is of interest for population geneticists (Roser et al, 2017). All these factors and others influence the distribution of the genetic diversity at the species level. The study of such factors and their relation with the genetic variability is essential for comprehension of the evolutionary scenario.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
