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Published on: December 25, 2016
Comparison of contemporary mating patterns in continuous and fragmented Eucalyptus globulus native forests
Makiko Mimura1, Robert C Barbour, Brad M Potts
1Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tenoudai 1-1-1,Tsukuba, Japan. mimura@ynu.ac.jp
Molecular Ecology
|September 23, 2009
Summary
Forest fragmentation impacts mating patterns and pollen dispersal in Eucalyptus globulus. Fragmented populations show more inbreeding but retain genetic diversity due to enhanced long-distance seed dispersal.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Habitat fragmentation is a significant driver of environmental change, impacting forest ecosystems.
- The effects of fragmentation on contemporary mating patterns and pollen dispersal remain debated due to species variation and limited landscape-level replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of forest fragmentation on mating patterns and effective pollen dispersal.
- To compare mating patterns in fragmented versus continuous populations of Eucalyptus globulus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized six microsatellite markers to genotype 1289 open-pollinated offspring.
- Compared paired fragmented and continuous populations of Eucalyptus globulus in Tasmania and Victoria.
- Analyzed outcrossing rates, correlated paternity, and reproductive contributions.
Main Results:
- Continuous populations exhibited similar mating patterns, high outcrossing (86-89%), and low correlated paternity (0.03-0.06).
- Fragmented populations showed variable mating patterns, lower outcrossing (65-79%), and higher correlated paternity (0.12-0.20).
- Fragmented populations had a greater proportion of trees contributing to reproduction, with some inbreeding but no significant loss of genetic diversity.
Conclusions:
- Forest fragmentation alters mating patterns and pollen dispersal kernels in Eucalyptus globulus.
- Enhanced medium- and long-distance dispersal in fragmented landscapes may mitigate negative effects of inbreeding and genetic drift.
- Conservation strategies should consider the complex effects of fragmentation on reproductive processes and genetic diversity.
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