Repeated Habitat Disturbances by Fire Decrease Local Effective Population Size.

ABSTRACT: Effective population size is a fundamental parameter in population genetics, and factors that alter effective population size will shape the genetic characteristics of populations. Habitat disturbance may have a large effect on genetic characteristics of populations by influencing immigration and gene flow, particularly in fragmented habitats. We used the Florida Sand Skink (Plestiodon reynoldsi) to investigate the effect of fire-based habitat disturbances on the effective population size in the highly threatened, severely fragmented, and fire dependent Florida scrub habitat. We screened 7 microsatellite loci in 604 individuals collected from 12 locations at Archbold Biological Station. Archbold Biological Station has an active fire management plan and detailed records of fires dating to 1

SUBMITTER: Schrey AW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4888438 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature