Highest genetic diversity at the northern range limit of the rare orchid Isotria medeoloides.

ABSTRACT: Populations in previously glaciated regions are often genetically depauperate in comparison with populations at lower latitudes, due either to bottlenecks experienced in post-glacial colonization or to contemporary genetic drift in small, peripheral populations. Populations of the rare self-fertilizing North American orchid Isotria medeoloides are largest in the previously glaciated region near the northern range limit, allowing us to examine the role of historical versus contemporary processes in determining population genetic diversity and structure. If contemporary processes predominate, genetic diversity should increase with increasing census size. In contrast, if sequential bottlenecks associated with colonization are paramount, diversity should decrease with latitude and be relativel

SUBMITTER: Stone JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3464020 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature