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Abstract Detail



Population Genetics

Hildebrand, Terri [1], Drennan, Zachary [2], Harper, Cynthiana [3], Spruell, Paul [4], Mauger, Laurie [5].

Evolution and Population Genetics of Penstemon franklinii (Plantaginaceae), a rare Great Basin Endemic.

Penstemon franklinii is a critically imperiled species endemic to the Plegomir sandy clay loam soils of Iron County, Utah. Management and ranking for the species would be greatly improved by an understanding of its evolutionary history, a quantification of genetic diversity within sample locations, and an estimate of gene flow among locations. A previously constructed phylogeny for the genus Penstemon based on ITS and cpDNA sequence data did not include P. franklinii. Our study isolated and sequenced these same regions in P. franklinii and included these in phylogenetic analyses with a representative sample of sequences from the earlier work. P. franklinii was clearly nested in Subgenus Penstemon, Section Aurator, a group of mostly narrow endemics that often occur on specialized substrates. In addition, we amplified five microsatellite loci from more than 500 individuals scattered throughout the known populations and identified 81 unique alleles. Preliminary analyses of genotypes suggested the known occurrences of P. franklinii may be structured into three genetically defined populations (Horse Hollow, Antelope Springs, and Lund Highway). Our study is ongoing and results from additional analyses that estimate gene flow and dispersal based on relatedness and its correlation with physical distance will be presented. Future pollination studies that identify pollinators, as well as germination studies, may serve to provide explanations for field observations of low seedling recruitment. Together, results from the molecular, pollination and germination research have the potential to allow a better understanding of the evolutionary processes that have shaped the genetic structure in the current populations.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - Southern Utah University, Biology, 351 W University Boulevard, Center for Health & Molecular Sciences 213, Cedar City, UT, 84720, USA
2 - Southern Utah University, Biology, 351 West University Boulevard, Cedar City, UT, 84720, USA
3 - Southern Utah University, 351 West University Boulevard, Cedar City, UT, 84720, United States
4 - Southern Utah University, Biology, 351 West University Boulevard, Science Center 113, Cedar City, UT, 84720, United States
5 - Southern Utah University, Biology, 351 West University Boulevard, Center for Health & Molecular Sciences 215, Cedar City, UT, 84720, United States

Keywords:
endemic species
population structure
genetic diversity.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 40
Location: Marlborough B/Riverside Hilton
Date: Wednesday, July 31st, 2013
Time: 9:00 AM
Number: 40002
Abstract ID:655
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award

Canceled

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