Abstract
Population genetic theory and methodology were applied to the study of endemic plant species. Levels of genetic variability were compared between endemic species and their more widespread relatives. Six of seven narrowly distributed taxa of Saxifragaceae had significantly reduced genetic diversity relative to species of Saxifragaceae with broader distributions. Two endemic species of the fern Polystichum maintained significantly lower levels of genetic variation than did their more widespread congeners. The implications of these data and those reported for other endemic plant species for designing management strategies are also discussed.
Highlights
Population genetic theory and methodology were applied to the study of endemic plant species
A recent resurgence of interest among biologists of many disciplines in the conservation and preservation of endangered species has led to the incorporation of population genetic theory and methodology into the study of endemic species of both plants and animals
Population genetic theory predicts that endemic species will maintain low levels of genetic variation, and this prediction is borne out in many endemics, island endemics (e.g., Lowrey and Crawford 1985; Crawford, Stuessy, and Silva 1987; Witter and Carr 1988)
Summary
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.claremont.edu/aliso Part of the Botany Commons. Recommended Citation Soltis, Pamela S. and Soltis, Douglas E. (1991) "Genetic Variation in Endemic and Widespread Plant Species," Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany: Vol 13: Iss. 1, Article 10. GENETIC VARIATION IN ENDEMIC AND WIDESPREAD PLANT SPECIES: EXAMPLES FROM SAXIFRAGACEAE AND
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