Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Palmquist, Emily [1], Ayers, Tina [2], Spence, John [3].

Phylogeny and Evolutionary History of Anticlea vaginata Rydb. (Melanthiaceae): A Hanging Garden Endemic.

This study examines the taxonomic status, population genetics, and evolutionary history of the rare, endemic plant species, Anticlea vaginata (Melanthiaceae). Doubts about its distinctness as a species have been raised, which has implications for its status as a rare species. Morphological differences between A. vaginata and its closest relative, Anticlea elegans, were assessed using Principle Components Analysis, Canonical Discriminant Functions analysis, and one-way analyses of variance. Genetic variability and population structure were assessed using the AFLP technique. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling, Analysis of Molecular Variance, cluster analyses, gene diversity estimates, and Structure 2.2 were used to determine the levels of genetic differentiation. Anticlea vaginata and A. elegans exhibit large amounts of overlap in morphological and genetic variability. Despite this overlap, there are indications of ongoing diversification. Anticlea vaginata populations exhibit genetic structuring and do not group as a species. Populations of A. vaginata show genetic patterns consistent with those expected for relictual populations. We conclude that since there are no consistent distinguishing characteristics between A. vaginata and A. elegans, A. vaginata should be treated as a subspecies of Anticlea elegans. It is likely that there is little gene flow between the populations of subsp. vaginata and subsp. elegans, and the populations of A. elegans subsp. vaginata may be on their own evolutionary trajectories.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Northern Arizona University, Biological Sciences, PO Box 5640, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
2 - Northern Arizona University, Department Of Biological Sciences, PO Box 5640, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011-5640, USA
3 - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Natural Resources, PO Box 1507, Page, AZ, 86040, USA

Keywords:
phylogenetics
morphometrics
AFLP
hanging garden
Anticlea
endemic.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 08
Location: Forsyth Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: 08001
Abstract ID:138