Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Bard, Nicholas [1], Miller, Christopher S [1], Bruederle, Leo Paul [2].

Conservation genomics of Carex scirpoidea subsp. convoluta.

Range-limited endemic taxa are threatened by loss of genomic diversity, which can lead to extirpation and extinction. The imperiled and narrowly distributed edaphic endemic Carex scirpoidea subsp. convoluta (Cyperaceae), which is primarily limited to alvar soils on the northern shores of Lake Huron in North America, exhibits such risk. In contrast, the conspecific C. scirpoidea subsp. scirpoidea is widely distributed across a vast geographical range and occupies several arctic and alpine habitat types. Using ddRADseq, population genomic analyses of 11 North American populations of C. scirpoidea including five subsp. convoluta populations revealed relatively similar levels of genomic diversity in the latter compared to its more widely distributed conspecific subsp. scirpoidea. Dioecy and a nearly obligate outcrossing mode of reproduction have likely contributed to the maintenance of genomic diversity in subsp. convoluta, preventing inbreeding depression, and contributing to the evolutionary potential of populations of this taxon. Furthermore, subsp. convoluta is polyphyletic and exhibits low levels of differentiation from Eastern North American populations of subsp. scirpoidea, suggesting that it best be considered a locally adapted biotype. We recommend continued monitoring and habitat protection for individual populations of subsp. convoluta due to reduced gene flow among distant populations.

1 - University of Colorado Denver, Integrative Biology, Campus Box 171, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, CO, 80217, USA
2 - University Of Colorado Denver, Integrative Biology, CB 171, Pob 173364, Denver, CO, 80217, United States

Keywords:
Conservation genomics
population genetics
evolutionary genetics
RADSeq
ddRADseq
Carex.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: POPGEN2, Population Genetics/Genomics II
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Thursday, July 30th, 2020
Time: 3:30 PM
Number: POPGEN2003
Abstract ID:669
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award