| Abstract Detail
Conservation Biology Misiewicz, Tracy [1], Carter, Benjamin [2], Hauser, Chris [3]. Unexpected genetic structure and demographic history of a rare redwood forest specialist (Pedicularis dudleyi). Pedicularis dudleyi Elmer (Dudley’s Lousewort, Orobanchaceae) is an extremely rare wildflower endemic to the redwood forests of Central California. Until recently the species was known only from three extant natural populations. However, one of those populations was recently described as a novel species (P. rigginsiae D.J. Keil) based on morphological and ecological data. While little is known about the past distribution of the species, historical records have led to speculation that the species was once more widespread and may have suffered from habitat destruction as a result of widespread logging during the early twentieth century. We utilized a combination of SNP data generated using ddRADseq and Sanger sequencing data to: 1) Describe the genetic diversity and population structure of P. dudleyi; 2) Test the hypothesis that the species underwent a bottleneck corresponding with increased logging of Redwood forests in the early 20th century and; 3) Test the morphological hypothesis that P. riginsii is distinct from P. dudleyi. Genetic diversity statistics and analyses of genetic structure suggest that both populations of P. dudleyi are highly differentiated from each other and one population demonstrates unexpected population structure and higher levels of inbreeding. Demographic modeling supports a scenario where the contemporary rarity of the species is best explained by a recent bottleneck as opposed to historical rarity. Finally, recognition of P. rigginsiae as distinct from P. dudleyi is supported, increasing the conservation priority of both species. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - University Of Oklahoma, Department Of Microbiology And Plant Biology, Norman, OK, 73019, United States 2 - San Jose State University, Dept. Of Biological Sciences, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA, 95192, United States 3 - Center for Natural Lands Management, Temecula, CA, 92590, USA
Keywords: ddRADseq Bottleneck Redwood Forests Population Genetics.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper Session: CB02, Conservation Biology 2 Location: / Date: Wednesday, July 21st, 2021 Time: 2:15 PM(EDT) Number: CB02008 Abstract ID:225 Candidate for Awards:None |