Inferring colonization history from analyses of spatial genetic structure within populations of Pinus strobus and Quercus rubra

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2005.02830.x
• Publication Date: 2006-01-09T10:33:25Z
• Authors: F. A. JONES; J. L. HAMRICK; C. J. PETERSON; E. R. SQUIERS
• Keywords: Plant Leaves; 0301 basic medicine; Quercus; 03 medical and health sciences; Seedlings; Reproduction; Genetic Variation; 15. Life on land; Pinus

Abstract Many factors interact to determine genetic structure within populations including adult density, the mating system, colonization history, natural selection, and mechanism spatial patterns of gene dispersal. We examined colonizing Quercus rubra seedlings Pinus strobus juveniles adults in an aspen–white pine forest northern Michigan, USA. A 20‐year spatially explicit demographic study enables us interpret results light recent site for both species. assayed 217 Q. 171 P. individuals at 11 polymorphic loci using nine allozyme systems. Plant genotypes locations were used analysis structure. showed similar observed levels heterozygosity, but have less heterozygosity than expected. show clumping on a scale 25 m relatedness expected from clumped dispersion half‐siblings. In contrast, has low smallest distance class positive scales < 10 plot. The density outside plot limited, rodent dispersal acorns is likely responsible pattern heterozygote deficit (i.e. Wahlund effect). attribute weaker longer seeds historical overlap seed shadows coupled with younger, more recently established reproductive adults. demonstrates utility long‐term data interpreting mechanisms generating contemporary populations.