Genetic effects of chronic habitat fragmentation in a wind-pollinated tree

Citation

Jump A & Penuelas J (2006) Genetic effects of chronic habitat fragmentation in a wind-pollinated tree. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103 (21), pp. 8096-8100. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0510127103

Abstract
Habitat fragmentation poses a serious threat to plants through genetic changes associated with increased isolation and reduced population size. However, the longevity of trees, combined with effective seed or pollen dispersal, can enhance their resistance to these effects. The European beech (Fagus sylvatica) dominates forest over large regions of Europe. We demonstrate that habitat fragmentation in this species has led to genetic bottlenecks and the disruption of the species' breeding system, leading to significantly elevated levels of inbreeding, population divergence, and reduced genetic diversity within populations. These results show that, in contrast with the findings of previous studies, forest fragmentation has a negative genetic impact, even in this widespread, wind-pollinated tree. The identification of significant effects of forest fragmentation in beech demonstrates that trees are not at reduced risk from environmental change. This should be accounted for in the management of remaining natural and seminatural forest throughout the world.

Keywords
F-statistics; forest fragmentation; inbreeding; isolation by distance; population genetics; Forest genetics ; Forest ecology ; Trees Propagation ; Seeds Dispersal

Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Volume 103, Issue 21

People

Professor Alistair Jump

Dean of Natural Sciences, NS Management and Support