Genetic structure of cyclic parthenogenetic zooplankton populations – a conceptual framework

• DOI: 10.1127/0003-9136/2006/0167-0217
• Publication Date: 2006-10-16T21:27:02Z
• Authors: Luc De Meester; Joost Vanoverbeke; Koen De Gelas; Raquel Ortells; Piet Spaak
• Keywords: Parthenogenesis

The genetic structure of cyclic parthenogenetic zooplankton populations is strongly determined by the consequences combining sexual and asexual reproduction in same life cycle. Since pioneering population studies on freshwater 1970's, a distinction has been made between permanent intermittent populations. However, results many do not fit expectations this dichotomous model, for example when large lake are considered. In paper, we present unifying framework understanding populations, focusing three factors that determine their degree clonality within-population diversity as well among-population differentiation: size dormant egg bank, length growing season, strength clonal selection. We illustrate importance each these factors, show our broader concept better explains variation observed natural parthenogens than earlier implicitly model.