Molecular and quantitative genetic variation within and between populations of the declining grassland species Saxifraga granulata.

ABSTRACT: Formerly common plant species are expected to be particularly susceptible to recent habitat fragmentation. We studied the population genetics of 19 recently fragmented Saxifraga granulata populations (max. distance 61 km) in Luxembourg and neighboring Germany using RAPD markers and a common garden experiment. We assessed (1) the relationships between plant fitness, quantitative genetic variation, molecular genetic variation, and population size; and (2) the relative importance of genetic drift and selection in shaping genetic variation. Molecular genetic diversity was high but did not correlate with population size, habitat conditions, or plant performance. Genetic differentiation was low (F _ST = 0.079 ± 0.135), and there was no isolation by distance. Longevity, cl

SUBMITTER: Walisch TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9674452 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature