Low allozymic variation in the Bidens pilosa L. complex (Asteraceae)
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Concoction Pipeline for Generating Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) Among Riparian and Aquatic Beetles
Published on: July 11, 2025
Maria Tereza Grombone-Guaratini1, João Semir, Vera Nisaka Solferini
1Departamento de Genética e Evolução Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil. terezag@unicamp.br
Abstract:
Bidens alba, B. subalternans, and B. pilosa form a complex group based on their morphological similarities. Bidens pilosa L. and B. subalternans DC. are herbs with a wide distribution in agricultural and disturbed areas. Bidens alba (L.) DC. varies in size from herb to subshrub and has a coastal distribution. Enzyme electrophoresis was used to evaluate genetic diversity in 12 populations of Bidens. All but three loci (Lap-1, Est, and Got) were monomorphic. Est-1 and Got were polymorphic only in B. alba. Lap-1 was polymorphic only in B. pilosa and B. subalternans. The estimates of genetic variability were low for all three taxa and all of the populations studied. Genetic diversity varied from 0.01 to 0.03. Mean genetic identities were high among populations of each species (0.99 for B. alba and 1.00 for B. pilosa and B. subalternans) and among the three species (1.00). Bidens pilosa and B. subalternans could be considered a single species if the taxonomy of the group were based solely on isozyme data.
Related Concept Videos
Frequency-dependent Selection
Genetic Variation
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Incomplete Dominance
Monohybrid Crosses
Dihybrid Crosses
Law of Independent Assortment

