Population Structure and Reproductive Pattern ofPristimantisAff.Fenestratus(Anura: Strabomantidae) in Two Non-Flooded Forests of Central Amazonia, Brazil

Abstract Context Amazonian white-sand ecosystems (campinas) are open vegetation patches which form a natural island-like system in a matrix of tropical rainforest. Due to a clear distinction from the surrounding matrix, the spatial characteristics of campina patches may affect the genetic diversity and composition of their specialized organisms, such as the small and endemic passerine Elaenia ruficeps. Objectives To estimate the relative contribution of the current extension, configuration and geographical context of campina patches to the patterns of genetic diversity and population structure of E. ruficeps. Methods We sampled individuals of E. ruficeps from three landscapes in central Amazonia with contrasting campina spatial distribution, from landscapes with large and connected patches to landscapes with small and isolated patches. We estimated population structure, genetic diversity, and contemporary and historical migration within and among the three landscapes and used landscape metrics as predictor variables. Furthermore, we estimated genetic isolation by distance and resistance within landscapes. Results We identified three genetically distinct populations with asymmetrical gene flow among landscapes and a decreasing migration rate with distance. Within each landscape, we found low differentiation without genetic isolation by distance nor by resistance. In contrast, we found differentiation and spatial correlation between landscapes. Conclusions Together with previous studies, the population dynamics of E. ruficeps suggests that both regional context and landscape structure shape the connectivity among populations of campina specialist birds. Also, the spatial distribution of Amazonian landscapes, together with their associated biota, has changed in response to climatic changes in the Late Pleistocene.

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Landscape configuration of an Amazonian island-like ecosystem drives population structure and genetic diversity of a habitat-specialist bird

10.1101/2020.12.25.424395 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Camila D. Ritter ◽

Camila C. Ribas ◽

Juliana Menger ◽

Sergio H. Borges ◽

Christine D. Bacon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Population Structure ◽

Isolation By Distance ◽

Landscape Configuration ◽

Genetic Isolation ◽

White Sand ◽

Surrounding Matrix ◽

Relative Contribution ◽

Central Amazonia ◽

Vegetation Patches

AbstractContextAmazonian white-sand ecosystems (campinas) are open vegetation patches which form a natural island-like system in a matrix of tropical rainforest. Due to their clear distinction from the surrounding matrix, the spatial characteristics of campina patches may affect the genetic diversity and composition of their specialized organisms such as the small and endemic passerine Elaenia ruficeps.ObjectivesHere, we estimate the relative contribution of the current extension, configuration and geographical context of campina patches to the patterns of genetic diversity and population structure of E. ruficeps.MethodsWe sampled individuals of E. ruficeps from three landscapes in Central Amazonia with contrasting campina spatial distribution, from landscapes with large and connected patches to landscapes with small and isolated patches. We estimate population structure, genetic diversity, and contemporary and historical migration within and among the three landscapes and used landscape metrics as predictor variables. Furthermore, we estimate genetic isolation by distance and resistance among individuals sampled within landscapes.ResultsWe identified three genetically distinct populations with asymmetrical gene flow among landscapes and a decreasing migration rate with distance. Within each landscape, we found low genetic differentiation without genetic isolation by distance nor by resistance. In contrast, we found differentiation and spatial correlation between landscapes.ConclusionsOur results uncover population dynamics of E. ruficeps through time. Together with previous studies, this suggests that both regional context and landscape structure shape the connectivity among populations of campina specialist birds, and that Amazonian landscapes, together with their associated biota, have responded to recent climatic changes.

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