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Genetic Diversity in Cymophyllus fraserianus (Cyperaceae), a Rare Monotypic Genus

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Abstract

Cymophyllus fraserianus(Fraser's sedge) is a rare perennial evergreen herb found in late-successional forest communities in the Appalachian Mountains of the U.S. Genetic diversity was assessed at 19 allozyme loci for 12 populations sampled from the southern and central portions of the range of this primitive monotypic genus. Species variation was comparable to that found for other narrowly distributed species, although mean population genetic diversity was somewhat higher. Sixteen of the 19 loci (84%) were polymorphic, with a mean of 46% polymorphic within populations. On average, 2.7 alleles were detected per polymorphic locus. Genetic diversity within populations (H ep) averaged 0.113, whereas species' genetic diversity (H es) was 0.131. Although a twofold range of within-population genetic diversity (H ep= 0.075−0.158) was found, less than 13% of the genetic variation was distributed among populations (G ST= 0.129). An indirect estimate of historical levels of gene flow (N m= 1.69) was consistent with the high mean genetic identity (mean I= 0.96) found between populations. Despite the relictual nature of C.fraserianus, its rarity and fragmented distribution, genetic diversity within the genus is typical of herbs with similar life-history characteristics. No association was found between geographic and genetic distances between populations (r=−0.01; p > 0.9), suggesting that present day populations are relatively isolated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Biology (Phone: +, Athens, Georgia, 30602

    Mary Jo W. Godt & J.L. Hamrick

  2. Department of Genetics, Athens, Georgia, 30602

    J.L. Hamrick

  3. Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602; Current address: Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101

    Albert Meier

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  1. Mary Jo W. Godt
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  2. J.L. Hamrick
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  3. Albert Meier
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Godt, M.J.W., Hamrick, J. & Meier, A. Genetic Diversity in Cymophyllus fraserianus (Cyperaceae), a Rare Monotypic Genus. Genetica 122, 207–215 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:GENE.0000041049.91375.8c

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