Range-wide neutral and adaptive genetic structure of an endemic herb from Amazonian Savannas.

ABSTRACT: Conserving genetic diversity in rare and narrowly distributed endemic species is essential to maintain their evolutionary potential and minimize extinction risk under future environmental change. In this study we assess neutral and adaptive genetic structure and genetic diversity in Brasilianthus carajensis (Melastomataceae), an endemic herb from Amazonian Savannas. Using RAD sequencing we identified a total of 9365 SNPs in 150 individuals collected across the species' entire distribution range. Relying on assumption-free genetic clustering methods and environmental association tests we then compared neutral with adaptive genetic structure. We found three neutral and six adaptive genetic clusters, which could be considered management units (MU) and adaptive units (AU), respectively.

SUBMITTER: Silva AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7043808 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature