Clutch, egg and body size variation among common eiders breeding in Hudson Bay, Canada

The Hudson Bay common eider ( Somateria molissima sedentaria ) is a unique subspecies of eider that remains within the confines of Hudson Bay throughout the year. We compared clutch, egg and body size variation among populations of common eiders breeding in eastern and western Hudson Bay. Clutch size did not differ substantially among these populations. All eiders in Hudson Bay laid larger clutches than other subspecies in eastern North America. As Hudson Bay common eiders do not undergo extensive migrations, they may have more energy reserves available to them for egg production. Eiders nesting in eastern Hudson Bay laid larger eggs than eiders nesting in western Hudson Bay. Further, eiders in eastern Hudson Bay tended to be structurally larger, but had smaller bill processes. These differences may have a genetic basis. Smaller egg size and body size may arise in western Hudson Bay from mixing with the smaller borealis subspecies nesting to the north. Further work to resolve genetic affinities, determine levels of male and female dispersal, and examine variation in reproductive ecology are needed to resolve the sources of these differences.     

Genetic diversity of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) and its utilization for barley improvement

Wild barley (Hordeum vulgare spp. spontaneum) is the undisputed progenitor of cultivated barley and offers considerable potential as a genetic resource for barley improvement. Naturally occurring populations are distributed primarily across the Fertile Crescent, but secondary areas of diversity are also found in central Asia and Tibet. The pattern of its genetic diversity is non-random, and is structured on a global, regional and local scale. On a global scale, diversity follows ecogeography, while on a regional and local scale, it is more strongly determined by ecology. Populations growing in areas where the climate is unreliable and/or the soil is heterogeneous tend to retain the most diversity. A large number of accessions are currently conserved ex situ, but a high proportion of these have originated from the Fertile Crescent. Given the likelihood of future climate change, conserving germplasm both in situ and ex situ in the various regions where the species’ currently existing is a research priority. The value of H. vulgare spp. spontaneum for the improvement of cultivated barley lies largely in its potential contribution to the levels of attainable pathogen resistance and abiotic stress tolerance.     

Relationships between Genetic Diversity of Vascular Plant Species and Climate Factors

Genetic diversity is crucial for plants to respond to global climate change, and exploring relationships between genetic diversity and climatic factors may help predict how global climate change will shape the genetic diversity of plants in the future. So far, however, the extent and magnitude of the impact of climatic factors on the genetic diversity of plants has not been clarified. We collected data from 68 published papers on two widely used measures of genetic diversity of populations (average expected heterozygosity (He) and average observed heterozygosity (Ho)) and on localities of populations of 79 vascular plants, and extracted data on 19 climatic factors from WorldClim. We then explored the relationships between measures of genetic diversity and climatic factors using linear regressions. He of plant populations was significantly correlated with climatic factors in 58.7% (44) of the 75 species that used He as a measure of genetic diversity, and Ho was correlated with climatic factors in 65.1% (41) of the 63 species that used this genetic diversity measure. In general, Mean Temperature of Wettest Quarter, Precipitation Seasonality, Precipitation of Driest Quarter and Temperature Seasonality played a vital role in shaping He, and Ho was mostly correlated with Precipitation of Warmest Quarter, Mean Temperature of Wettest Quarter, Precipitation of Driest Quarter and Precipitation of Driest Month. Also, the proportion of the significant correlations between genetic diversity of populations and climatic factors was higher for woody than for herbaceous species, and different climatic factors played different roles in shaping genetic diversity of these two growth forms. Our results suggest that climate may play an important role in shaping genetic diversity of plant populations, that climatic change in the future may alter genetic diversity of plants, and that genetic diversity of different plant forms may respond to climatic change differently.     

Visualizing Patterns of Genetic Landscapes and Species Distribution of Taxus wallichiana (Taxaceae), Based on GIS and Ecological Niche Models

The Chinese yew (Taxus wallichiana), which is widely distributed in the Himalayas and in southern China, is now on the edge of extinction. In order to understand the evolutionary processes that control the current diversity within this species at the genetic and ecological levels, its genetic patterns and range dynamics must first be identified and mapped. This knowledge can then be applied in the development of an effective conservation strategy. Based on molecular data obtained from 48 populations of T. wallichiana, we used GIS-based interpolation approach for the explicit visualization of patterns of genetic divergence and diversity, and a number of potential evolutionary hotspots have been specifically identified within the genetic landscape maps. Within the maps of genetic divergence and diversity, five areas of high inter-population genetic divergence and six areas of high intra-population genetic diversity have been highlighted in a number of separate mountain regions, and these evolutionary hotspots should have the priority to be protected. Furthermore, four geographical barriers have been identified: the eastern Himalayas, the Yunnan Plateau, the Hengduan Mountains and the Taiwan Strait. According to ecological niche modeling (ENM), the populations of T. wallichiana within the Sino-Himalayan Forest floristic subkingdom experienced westward expansion from the periods of Last Inter-glacial to Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Following the LGM, the distribution range overall became reduced and fragmented. These findings challenge the classic mode of contraction-expansion in response to the last glaciation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the changes in geographical landscapes and climate that occurred during the Quaternary resulted in current genetic landscape patterns.     

Genetic Diversity of Toona ciliata Populations based on SSR Markers

In order to provide a theoretical basis for the protection and development of T. ciliata germplasm resources, we studied the genetic diversity of T. ciliata by using SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) primers to evaluate the genetic diversity of 192 T. ciliata germplasm samples from 24 populations of 5 provinces. DataFormater, Popgene, NTSYS, TFPGA and other software were used for genetic data conversion, genetic parameter estimation, dendrogram construction and genetic variation analysis. The results showed that: 1) a total of 17 alleles (N_a) were detected in seven pairs of primers, with an average of 2.260 for each primer. Among them, the highest numbers of alleles (4) were detected in primers S11 and S422.The mean value of Nei’s genetic diversity index (H) was 0.4909, the mean value of Shannon information index (I) was 0.7321, and the mean value of polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.5182. The mean expected heterozygosity (H_e) and observed heterozygosity (H_o) were 0.1055 and 0.4956, respectively. The Nei°s genetic distances of the populations ranged between 0.0002 and 2.6346, and the mean was 0.5477. The average genetic diversity level (H=0.1044) of the 24 populations was lower than that of the species (H=0.4909). 2) The genetic differentiation coefficients (F_st) varied from 0.2374 to 0.9148, with an average value of 0.7727. The mean of population gene flow (N_m) was 0.0735, indicating a low level of genetic exchange between populations, and suggesting that the genetic variation mainly came from within populations. 3) With the UPGMA method, the 24 populations were clustered into 3 groups at Nei’s genetic identity (0.99): the populations from Guizhou Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were clustered into one group, the populations from Hunan Province were in another group, and the populations from Hubei Province were in the third group. The Mantel test analysis showed a significant correlation between Nei’s genetic distance and geographic distance (r=0.6318, P=0.009?0.05). The genetic diversity of the 24 populations of T. ciliata was at a low level. Geographic isolation was the main reason for genetic differentiation among T. ciliata provenances. In the protection of germplasm resources of T. ciliata, emphasis should be placed on breeding genetic resources from the populations with higher genetic diversity (P14, for example). As for the populations with low genetic diversity, an ex-situ protection strategy as well as ecological and timber objectives, should be taken into account to maximize the conservation and utilization of the diversity of T. ciliata.     

Genetic diversity,conservation and sustainable use of wild Agave cupreata and Agave potatorum extracted for mezcal production in Mexico

Agave cupreata and Agave potatorum are semelparous species distributed on dry tropical forests in south Mexico. Extraction of reproductive individuals for spirits production has caused a decline of wild populations and has raised concerns about their long-term conservation. We assess the degree of genetic erosion of exploited populations and provide population genetics baseline data for developing sustainable use strategies of these species. ISSRs (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats, dominant nuclear markers associated to microsatellites) were used to analyze five populations of each species throughout their distribution range. We found high levels of variation (P > 80%; H > 0.30) and moderate to high differentiation (A. potatorum θ = 0.120; A. cupreata θ = 0.172). Isolation by distance was significant in A. cupreata. Our data indicate that these species are not genetically eroded in general, and that they retain their historical patterns of diversity inside populations. Three genetically distinct populations are identified where conservation efforts should be a priority. Our results are discussed in relation to the in situ reinforcement of populations based on seeds propagation, in contrast to micropropagation practices that may threaten the genetic diversity of the species studied considering previous reports on genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding depression in Agave.     

沙冬青(Ammopiptanthus)的遗传结构与保育

沙冬青（Ammopiptanthus）是蒙新砾质荒漠中唯一常绿阔叶灌木孑遗,且已陷入濒临灭绝的境地。沙冬青属内分类争论已久。利用分子手段对国内沙冬青居群进行了遗传结构分析,以对其保护提供准确的遗传学信息。核序列和叶绿体间隔数据均表明,沙冬青属包含两个明显不同的分支,分别分布于塔里木荒漠与阿拉善荒漠,我们据此建议恢复分布于新疆的沙冬青居群的物种地位,即新疆沙冬青（A.nunas）。沙冬青属属下两个种遗传多样性均比较低,可能由于先天遗传不足及破碎化小居群的遗传漂变与近交作用。新疆沙冬青无明显的遗传结构。蒙古沙冬青（A.mongolicus）在阿拉善荒漠北部与南部出现了明显的遗传分歧,这可能是由于南北部居群由不同的避难所扩张而来。也为沙冬青的保护提出了建议。     

Genetic Diversity of Chinese Medaka(Oryzias sinensis)in Dian Lake Drainage Area by ISSR Analysis

Chinese medaka(Oryzias sinensis),widely distributed in the plateau lakes,Yunnan Province,which was the indicative specie for the habitat quality of riparian zone in the wetland ecosystems and also was the key specie in the lake ecosystems,and also was one of the fishes who suffered the severe invasion of alien species.There,we investigated that the genetic diversity and population structure of the wild Chinese medaka by using inter-simple sequence repeat(ISSR)analysis.The samples(20 individuals in total)of Chinese medaka in three populations in the drainage area of Dian Lake were obtained.The 7 ISSR primers were picked out to assess the genetic diversity.The ISSR primers combinations revealed 82.69%polymorphism,among 52 genetic loci amplified.The sum of effective number of alleles and observed number of alleles were 1.492 4 and 1.826 9,respectively.The Shannon genetic diversity and Nei genetic diversity indexes of all the populations were 0.434 5 and 0.289 7,respectively.The gene differentiation(GST)was 0.198 9,and the gene flow(NM)was 2.013 2.The AMOVA demonstrated that only 6.65%of genetic variance came from inter-population,and 93.35%of genetic variance came from intra-population.Phylogenetic tree showed that 20 individuals from 3 populations were clustering mixed each other.Also,the principal coordinate analysis(PCA)supported the cluster analysis results.These results indicated that the genetic diversity of Oryzias sinensis was at the middle level,and there was no obvious genetic differentiation among the three populations of Oryzias sinensis.     

Improving a drought early warning model for an arid region using a soil-moisture index

This study modifies a drought early warning model for Jodhpur district of Rajasthan State in India. The model had employed only two variables derived from the daily rainfall data and estimated pearl millet yield in order to issue a drought early warning. In this study, the model is modified by including an additional variable derived from a soil-moisture index. The modified model explained up to 77.3 percent of the yield variation. When tested, the mean absolute percent error in the estimated yield was 13.7 percent in the case of the modified model as opposed to 18.5% in the case of the existing model. The soil-moisture index and other variables derived from the rainfall data could be potential candidates for developing drought early warning models for other arid regions.     

Relationship between the haplotype distribution of Artemisia halodendron(Asteraceae) and hydrothermal regions in Horqin Sandy Land,northern China

The genetic diversity of Artemisia halodendron(Asteraceae), a constructive and dominant species in Horqin Sandy Land,was investigated to examine the genetic relationships with different hydrothermal regions in Horqin Sandy Land. We sequenced chloroplast DNA(cp DNA) fragments(trn L–F) of 243 plants from 10 populations across the Horqin Sandy Land.The analyses of cp DNA variation identified seven haplotypes. A low level of haplotype diversity(H_d=0.706) and nucleotide diversity(π=0.0013) was detected. Haplotypes clustered into two tentative clades. Low genetic differentiation among regions was consistently indicated by hierarchical analyses of molecular variance(AMOVA). Across the sampled populations, the haplotype distributions were differentiated with hydrothermal gradients.     

ISSR analysis of Caragana microphylla (Leguminosae) in different temperature gradients

Caragana microphylla is the most dominant and constructive shrub species in the Horqin Sandy Land of northeastern China. We evaluated the level of genetic variation within and among C. microphylla populations sampled from three different temperature gradients in the Horqin Sandy Land by using inter-simple sequence repeat polymorphism (ISSR) molecular markers. The results show that eight ISSR primers generated 127 bands, of which 123 (96.85%) were polymorphic. At the species level, genetic diversity was relatively high (P = 96.85%, h = 0.3143, I = 0.4790). The highest genetic diversity was observed in the Subp6 population from low temperature regions, whereas the lowest diversity was found in the Subp2 population from high temperature regions. Six populations of C. microphylla clustered into two clades. These results have important implications for restoring and managing the degraded ecosystem in arid and semi-arid areas.     

Oxygen and carbon isotope records of cultured freshwater pearl mussel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyriopsis</Emphasis> sp. shell from Lake Kasumigaura,Japan

We present oxygen and carbon isotope ratios and the morphological structure of the cultured freshwater pearl mussel (Hyriopsis sp., Unionidae) shell and pearl. The number of first-order fluctuations of δ¹⁸O of the outer shell layer along the maximum growth axis was consistent with the number of cultured years. The dominant factor controlling annual δ¹⁸O fluctuations was water temperature with a minor contribution from the variation in δ¹⁸O of ambient water, especially during the rainy season. The δ¹³C values were approximately constant throughout the life of the mussel, suggesting that the contributions of body size to δ¹³C of the shell were minor. We observed nine distinct disturbance rings on the outer surface of the shell. Five rings coincided with the five winter peaks of the δ¹⁸O profile, indicating winter growth cessation below approximately 10°C, probably because of either inactive growth at low water temperatures or reproduction. Summer disturbance rings were not observed in all years. Moreover, some summer rings showed discontinuity in the inner structure. These findings suggest that summer growth cessation may be caused by occasional events such as heavy rains, as the decrease of dissolved oxygen concentration. The δ¹⁸O profile and shell structures indicated that shell aragonite was precipitated at close to equilibrium conditions with respect to the oxygen isotope composition of the ambient water. Hyriopsis sp. shells can potentially be used for reconstruction of past hydrologic conditions. The δ¹⁸O of a pearl indicated that calcification occurred over a temperature range of at least 13–23°C. The optimal temperature for pearl calcification in this species is lower than that for marine pearl calcification.     

内蒙古中西部草原区五种针茅的遗传多样性研究

利用RAPD（Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA, RAPD）分子标记技术,对内蒙古中西部草原区16个不同地理种群的五种针茅的遗传多样性及其种间关系进行了研究。从102个10碱基随机引物中筛选出28个有效引物,共扩增出389条带,多态性条带345条,占88.69%,说明针茅属植物具有丰富的遗传多样性,对环境的适应能力较强,PCA分析表明水热成为其地理分布的决定性因素。依据五种针茅的Jaccard相似系数所做的UPGMA聚类分析表明,大针茅和克氏针茅之间的遗传距离比较小聚为一类,它们与本氏针茅、短花针茅和小针茅间的遗传距离都比较大。     

Soil seed bank and among-years genetic diversity in arid populations of Eruca sativa Miller (Brassicaceae)

Populations of Eruca sativa from arid environments exhibit greater physiological dormancy than those that originated in more favorable ones. We tested the possible relative contribution of the soil seed bank (SSB) to the aboveground cohorts in desert and semiarid populations. Seedlings that emerged from the SSB under controlled irrigation were distinguished from those that emerged after exposure of the remaining ungerminated SSB to gibberellic acid as constituting non-dormant and dormant SSBs, respectively. On average, the total SSB was significantly larger in the semiarid than in the desert population. In both sites, the aboveground and SSB cohorts exhibited closely similar genetic diversity, and in the aboveground cohorts similar year-to-year genetic diversity was found. These results indicate continuous recruitment from the SSB to the aboveground cohorts. Nevertheless, Ne estimates indicated that the SSB can contribute to enlarging the aboveground effective populations in both habitats. Furthermore, Nei's genetic distances suggested that the non-dormant SSB contributed more than the dormant SSB to the aboveground cohorts. These results highlight the potential of the SSB to maintain a genotype reservoir that protects annual populations in arid environments.     

极地维管植物研究进展

极地维管植物因其所处环境的特殊性而备受关注。本文综述了极地维管植物在结构、生理、遗传和起源方面的研究进展,从而了解其对环境的适应机制,以及遗传多样性的特点、拓殖和起源方式。由叶片超微结构显示出叶绿体突起、叶绿体与线粒体的紧密相连等结构特点与植物适应极地环境有关。低温和长日照下糖类和蛋白质积累、酶活性的保持或提高、与胁迫相关基因的表达保证了植物在严酷环境下的生存。次生代谢物质含量随紫外线和光强度而变化,从而保护植物免受强辐射的伤害。极地地理和气候环境影响了植物遗传多样性和拓殖方式。南极植物(发草)群体的遗传多样性低,基因流动主要发生在邻近群体之间,其拓殖方式符合步石模型。北极植物则存在着长距离拓殖。多领域的研究观点表明,维管植物最有可能通过鸟类的帮助而迁入南极。     

Traditional horticultural and gathering practices in two semi-rural populations of Northwestern Patagonia

Horticultural and gathering practices were studied in Comallo and Pilcaniyeu, two semi-rural communities which share a common Mapuche ancestry and occupy similar arid environments in Northwest Patagonia, Argentina. We analyzed cultivation and wild plant gathering using semi-structured interviews. We hypothesized that these activities will be conditioned by access to market economy. Results showed differences in horticultural and gathering patterns in both populations: the community with less access to market economy presented greater richness of cultivated and gathered species and collected more seeds from their own harvests, thus promoting germplasm conservation and higher levels of seed exchange than the community that had more contact with urban centers. In these populations the integration of ancestral and novel knowledge seems to favor flexibility and autonomy, which might help locals deal with change. This could foster greater individual and collective wellbeing, as well as socio-ecological diversity.     

Genetic variability of wild Agave angustifolia populations based on AFLP: A basic study for conservation

Agave angustifolia is taken from wild populations in the desert of Sonora, Mexico, to make the alcoholic drink known as “bacanora”. An increase in the demand for this beverage has led to overexploitation of these agaves. We used AFLP to measure the genetic variability within and between natural populations of the species. The fixation index (FST) and population genetic distances (GD) were determined for three populations of A. angustifolia. At the clonal level, the expected heterozygosis (HE), the proportion of polymorphic loci (P), and the genetic similarity indices (GSIs) were lower in one population. Total GSI for adults and offshoots was 0.924. There were no differences in the GSI within or between the populations and dendrogram showed three groups that partially reflect the geographical distribution of the populations. Some degree of genetic variation between mother plants and their vegetatively produced rhizomes was observed. At the species level, total expected heterozygosity was high (HT = 0.314) with a P value of 78%, and intermediate gene flow (Nm = 1.18), giving rise to a moderate fixation index (FST = 0.175). Nm, FST and GD values observed, indicate that urgent measures must be implemented to preserve the genetic diversity.     

Development of variable microsatellite loci and range-wide characterization of nuclear genetic diversity in the important dryland shrub antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)

Antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata Pursh DC; Rosaceae) is an arid-land shrub that occupies an important ecological niche in various fire-dominated communities across much of the western United States. Because of its importance as a browse for large mammals and a food source for granivores, P. tridentata is frequently planted by Federal agencies in arid-land revegetation. We are currently analyzing the range-wide genetic diversity of this species as part of a larger effort to develop seed movement guidelines. In this study, we describe the development of eight novel nuclear microsatellite loci and characterize the amount and apportionment of range-wide nuclear genetic diversity. The eight microsatellite loci exhibited a high level of polymorphism (13–33 alleles per locus) and in general, observed levels of heterozygosity did not deviate form Hardy–Weinberg expectations. An initial screen of 196 individuals from 12 widely distributed populations revealed a moderate amount of genetic differentiation (F_ST = 0.09, p < 0.001). Moreover, these loci successfully produced PCR products in cross-species amplifications with two closely related Purshia species. These results demonstrate the utility of these markers and provide useful measures of neutral genetic diversity and population differentiation.     

Père David’s Deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in China: Population Dynamics and Challenges

The reintroduction of rare and endangered species is one of the most important approaches to conservation and ecosystem restoration, but it has still proven to be an adventurous undertaking and most reintroduction programmes fail, so successful demonstrations are needed. Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus, Milu in Chinese) could be considered one of conservation’s great success stories, as this species’ path on the road to extinction has been reversed by a combination of ex-situ conservation and successful re-introduction in China. The species had been consigned to an imperial hunting ground when the last Chinese herds were exterminated during the fall of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Fortunately, a few of the last remaining individuals were sent to European zoos. From these animals, a herd was bred on the 14^th Duke of Bedford’s estate, Woburn Abbey, and between 1985 and 1987, and 38 Milu were donated back to China for re-introduction in Beijing Milu Park (BMP), the former imperial hunting ground. An additional 39 deer were released at Dafeng National Nature Reserve (DFNNR), Jiangsu Province in 1986. In both of these safe and protected locations, the Milu thrived allowing for over 700 Milu to be sent to a further 82 sites throughout the species’ original Chinese range over the last 36 years. As a result, the Milu population totaled 9136 by 2021, with 2855 individuals now living back in the wild; while another 5681 individuals inhabit the DFNNR, and 186 reside in BMP. Wild Milu, however, still face significant conservation challenges. The population lacks genetic diversity, leading to severe inbreeding depression and carrying multiple risks, such as high miscarriage rates, a reduced lifespan, and susceptibility to disease. Environmental constraints such as pollution and habitat fragmentation further result in small, fragmented wild populations. Moreover, the species currently lacks a national level conservation master plan, the associated coordinated monitoring platforms, and breeding plans for China’s captive populations. Finally, there is now a lack of international cooperation in the conservation of this species. We therefore call for both a national-level conservation master plan in China and international cooperation to develop a shared database and germplasm databank covering Milu across all countries with ex-situ populations, as crucial steps for securing the long-term conservation of Milu and preventing it from ever becoming “extinct in the wild” again.     

石芝珊瑚（Fungiidae）的分类、生活史及其生物地理研究进展

石芝珊瑚（Fungiidae）作为珊瑚礁生态系统框架的主要构建者之一,以其丰富的物种多样性、独特的移动性和对环境变化的强适应性,在维持珊瑚礁生态系统的稳定中起重要作用。文章综述了国内外对石芝珊瑚的研究进展,包括：1）物种多样性;石芝珊瑚可起源于白垩纪中期,现共有17属、约55种,具有多样化的进化分歧与丰富的物种多样性。2）生活史（繁殖、营养模式、生长发育与移动性）;石芝珊瑚具备独特的生活史策略,双向性别转换（bidirectional sex conversion）可增强石芝珊瑚种群的繁殖成功率与环境适应性,而成体移动性（adult mobility）则能够有效拓宽石芝珊瑚生态位,并提高其种群的竞争力与恢复力。3）空间分布模式（跨大陆架分布、珊瑚礁地貌带分布与纬向分布）及影响因素;石芝珊瑚是全球性的珊瑚物种,其能够在岩石、沙地、淤泥等多样化的生境中存活,具有广阔的生物地理分布范围。基于目前石芝珊瑚的研究进展,建议从以下3个方面开展进一步研究：1）基于形态学与分子分类,厘定南海石芝珊瑚科的谱系,阐明南海石芝珊瑚物种多样性的演变规律及驱动机制;2）依托宏观生态调查,揭示石芝珊瑚在南海不同纬...