Isolated with persistence or dynamically connected? Genetic patterns in a common granite outcrop endemic

• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12185
• Publication Date: 2014-03-03T12:23:18Z
• Authors: S.‐L. Tapper; M. Byrne; C. J. Yates; G. Keppel; S. D. Hopper; K. Van Niel; A. G. T. Schut; L. Mucina; G. W. Wardell‐Joh...
• Keywords: Outcrop; Endemism

Abstract Aim Granite outcrops are prominent throughout the world and harbour many endemic species. Their topographic complexity range of environments have led to hypothesis that they act as refugia facilitating persistence species through climate change. We evaluate this by investigating phylogeographic patterns in a common granite shrub. Location S outhwest A ustralian F loristic R egion. Methods Chloroplast haplotypes 89 K unzea pulchella individuals from 16 were determined sequences three chloroplast intergenic spacer regions. Phylogenetic reconstruction divergence dating was inferred using B ayesian P arsimony analyses phylogenetic relationships between examined relation geographic distributions. Nuclear diversity differentiation populations assessed analysis 11 nuclear microsatellite loci across 384 outcrops. Results exhibited low haplotype allelic within high levels among outcrops, indicating an ancient restriction specific with genetic drift main driver evolution. Two divergent lineages revealed phylogeny liocene potentially reflecting initial impact increased aridity prior isolation on individual Main conclusions Rather than uncovering typical pattern for leistocene contraction to, expansion particular we observed persistence, prolonged populations. suggest . multiple period considerable climatic change may be result broad tolerances or dynamics operating at microrefugial scales Our observations provide some support latter. The enduring nature evolutionary potential accentuates value these biodiversity conservation planning changing climate.