Rivers shape population genetic structure in Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae)

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4142
• Publication Date: 2018-06-11T12:56:37Z
• Authors: Nilo L. Sander; Francisco Pérez‐Z...; Carolina J. Da Silva; Joari C. Arruda; Maria T. Pulido; Marco A. A. Barelli; Ana B. Rossi; Alexandre P. Viana; Marcela S. B. Boe...; Christine D. Bacon; Angélica Cibrián‐...
• Keywords: Arecaceae

The Mauritia flexuosa L.f. palm is known as the "tree of life" given its importance fundamental food and construction resources for humans. species broadly distributed in wet habitats Amazonia dry Amazon Orinoco river basins Cerrado savanna. We collected 179 individuals from eight different localities throughout these used microsatellites to characterize their population structure patterns gene flow. Overall, we found high genetic variation, except one savanna locality. Gene flow between populations largely congruent with direction water within among them, suggesting seed dispersal. Further, rivers have had a higher frequency human settlements than forested sites, contributing diversity through increased use consumption M. along rivers. revealed that migrants are sourced primarily same basin, such those Madeira Tapajós basins. Our work suggests inhabitants critical element landscape impacted dispersal subsequent distribution tropical species, shown by variation flexuosa.