Low genetic diversity but local genetic differentiation in endemic Minasia (Asteraceae) species from Brazil

• Published in: Plant systematics and evolution Vol. 277; no. 3-4; pp. 187 - 196
• Main Authors: Jesus, Flavia F, Abreu, Aluana G, Semir, João, Solferini, Vera N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vienna Vienna : Springer Vienna 01-02-2009; Springer; Springer Vienna; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Biological taxonomies; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Differentiation; Endemic species; Evolutionary genetics; Gene frequency; Genetic diversity; Genetic loci; Genetic structure; Genetic variation; Life Sciences; Mountains; Original Article; Plant Anatomy/Development; Plant Ecology; Plant Sciences; Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography; Plants; Population genetics; Populations; Species; Species diversity; Species extinction; Brazil; Campos rupestres; Semir & Jesus; H.Rob; (Gardn.) H.Rob; Allozymes
• ISSN: 0378-2697; 1615-6110; 2199-6881
• DOI: 10.1007/s00606-008-0128-6

Espinhaço Range is a Brazilian chain of mountains, extremely rich in endemic species. Minasia has six species, all perennial herbs endemic to this range. Twenty-two populations were sampled from all Minasia species and assayed for allozyme variation. The species showed low genetic variation, compatible with the expectation for endemics. Genetic identities in Serra do Cipó and Diamantina were high, even between populations of different species. On the other hand M. cabralensis, from Serra do Cabral, was more differentiated from the other species. We also observed a marked genetic differentiation within M. cabralensis. Most strikingly, two close populations of this species showed very different allele frequencies. Our findings highlight the importance of local differentiation in campos rupestres. The observed genetic structure indicates that substantial portions of genetic diversity could be lost with the extinction of only one population, which is especially threatening considering the already low genetic diversity.