Title
Biogeography and genetic structure in populations of a widespread lichen (Parmelina tiliacea, Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota)
Date Issued
11 May 2015
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Publisher(s)
Public Library of Science
Abstract
The genetic diversity and population structure of the foliose lichenized fungus Parmelina tiliacea has been analyzed through its geographical range, including samples from Macaronesia (Canary Islands), the Mediterranean, and Eurosiberia. DNA sequences from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA gene, and the translation elongation factor 1-α were used as molecular markers. The haplotypes of the three markers and the molecular variance analyses of multilocus haplotypes showed the highest diversity in the Canary Islands, while restricted haplotypes occurred at high frequencies in Mediterranean coastal samples. The multilocus haplotypes formed three unevenly distributed clusters (clusters 1-3). In the Canary Islands all the haplotypes were present in a similar proportion, while the coastal Mediterranean sites had almost exclusively haplotypes of cluster 3; cluster 2 predominated in inland Mediterranean sites; and cluster 1 was more abundant in central and northern Europe (Eurosiberian area). The distribution of clusters is partially explained by climatic factors, and its interaction with local spatial structure, but much of the variation remains unexplained. The high frequency of individuals in the Canary Islands with haplotypes shared with other areas suggests that could be a refugium of genetic diversity, and the high frequency of individuals of the Mediterranean coastal sites with restricted haplotypes indicates that gene flow to contiguous areas may be restricted. This is significant for the selection of areas for conservation purposes, as those with most genetic variation may reflect historical factors and biological properties of the species.
Volume
10
Issue
5
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Conservación de la Biodiversidad
Ciencias de la Tierra, Ciencias ambientales
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84930684330
PubMed ID
Source
PLoS ONE
ISSN of the container
19326203
DOI of the container
10.1371/journal.pone.0126981
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus