Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1017/S0266467413000345
Title (Primary) Forest fragmentation and edge effects on the genetic structure of Clusia sphaerocarpa and C. lechleri (Clusiaceae) in tropical mountain forests
Author Apaza Quevedo, A.E.; Schleuning, M.; Hensen, I.; Saavedra, F.; Durka, W. ORCID logo
Source Titel Journal of Tropical Ecology
Year 2013
Department BZF
Volume 29
Issue 4
Page From 321
Page To 329
Language englisch
Keywords Clusia; edge effects; genetic differentiation; montane forest; SGS
UFZ wide themes RU1;
Abstract Fragmentation of tropical forests influences abiotic and biotic processes that affect the genetic structure of plant populations. In forest fragments, edge effects, i.e. changes of abiotic and biotic factors at forest edges, may be prevalent. In two forest fragments (c. 200 ha at c. 2450 m asl) of tropical montane forest in Bolivia, sympatric populations of the dioecious tree species Clusia sphaerocarpa and C. lechleri were used as case study species to compare genetic diversity and small-scale genetic structure (SGS) between edge and interior habitats. Eight microsatellite markers were employed to genotype 343 individuals including adults, juveniles and seedlings of C. sphaerocarpa and 196 of C. lechleri. Genetic differentiation was found between habitats in both species (ΦRT = 0.071 for C. sphaerocarpa and ΦRT = 0.028 for C. lechleri) and among ages in C. sphaerocarpaRT = 0.016). Overall, SGS was weak but significant with more pronounced SGS in C. lechleri (Sp = 0.0128) than in C. sphaerocarpa (Sp = 0.0073). However, positive spatial genetic autocorrelation extended only up to 10 m. For C. sphaerocarpa, SGS was stronger in seedling and juvenile stages than in adults and in the forest interior than at forest edges. Our results show that edge effects can extend to the genetic level by breaking-up local genetic structures, probably due to increased gene flow and enhanced pollination and seed-dispersal interactions at forest edges.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=13821
Apaza Quevedo, A.E., Schleuning, M., Hensen, I., Saavedra, F., Durka, W. (2013):
Forest fragmentation and edge effects on the genetic structure of Clusia sphaerocarpa and C. lechleri (Clusiaceae) in tropical mountain forests
J. Trop. Ecol. 29 (4), 321 - 329 10.1017/S0266467413000345