Identification of Alnus glutinosa L. and A. incana (L.) Moench. Hybrids in Natural Forests Using Nuclear DNA Microsatellite and Morphometric Markers

Two alder species (Alnus glutinosa and A. incana) have overlapping distribution, naturally occur in Lithuania, and are considered ecologically and economically important forest tree species. The objective of our study was to estimate the likelihood of spontaneous hybridizations between native alders in natural stands of Lithuania based on leaf morphology and nuclear microsatellite markers. The sampled trees were assigned to the three taxonomic groups of A. glutinosa, A. incana, and potential hybrids based on the leaf and bark morphological traits. The genetic differentiation and potential hybridization between these three groups was tested based on 15 nSSR markers. We identified studied Alnus spp. individuals as pure species and hybrids. Two microsatellite loci were reported as discriminating well between these species. We concluded that our results showed the highest likelihood of two genetic group structures, a clear genetic differentiation between the morphology-based groups of A. glutinosa and A. incana, and rather variable likelihood values in the putative hybrid group. The results provide important implications for genetic conservation and management of Alnus spp.

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Neanderthals and modern humans

10.1093/oso/9780198739906.003.0011 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Francisco J. Ayala ◽

Camilo J. Cela-Conde

Keyword(s):

Genetic Differentiation ◽

Nuclear Dna ◽

Homo Sapiens ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Upper Palaeolithic ◽

Modern Humans ◽

Homo Neanderthalensis ◽

Modern Mind ◽

Similarities And Differences ◽

Mode 3

This chapter deals with the similarities and differences between Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens, by considering genetic, brain, and cognitive evidence. The genetic differentiation emerges from fossil genetic evidence obtained first from mtDNA and later from nuclear DNA. With high throughput whole genome sequencing, sequences have been obtained from the Denisova Cave (Siberia) fossils. Nuclear DNA of a third species (“Denisovans”) has been obtained from the same cave and used to define the phylogenetic relationships among the three species during the Upper Palaeolithic. Archaeological comparisons make it possible to advance a four-mode model of the evolution of symbolism. Neanderthals and modern humans would share a “modern mind” as defined up to Symbolic Mode 3. Whether the Neanderthals reached symbolic Mode 4 remains unsettled.

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Cryptic speciation in the Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)

The Auk ◽

10.1093/ornithology/ukaa071 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Scott F Lovell ◽

M Ross Lein ◽

Sean M Rogers

Keyword(s):

Contact Zone ◽

Nuclear Dna ◽

Biological Species ◽

Valid Species ◽

Migration Routes ◽

Dna Evidence ◽

Show Evidence ◽

And Migration ◽

Surrounding Areas ◽

Taxonomic Groups

Abstract Eastern (Vireo gilvus gilvus) and western (V. g. swainsoni) forms of the Warbling Vireo have essentially allopatric breeding ranges across north-central North America, but come into contact in central Alberta, Canada. In 1986, Jon Barlow presented preliminary morphological and song evidence suggesting that the Warbling Vireo complex might comprise more than one valid species. However, to date, Barlow’s suggestion is supported by only limited DNA evidence, demonstration of molt and migration differences between the taxa, and anecdotal accounts of differences in song, morphology, plumage, and ecology. We analyzed variation in both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA in birds from Alberta and surrounding areas to determine the levels of genetic differentiation and hybridization occurring in the contact zone, and whether the two taxa warrant recognition as separate biological species. Our analyses reveal that Warbling Vireos in Alberta and the surrounding areas are separated into two well-defined, genetically differentiated, and monophyletic clades corresponding to previously recognized taxonomic groups. The two taxa come into contact in a narrow (~85 km) zone in Barrhead County, northwest of Edmonton, Alberta. They show evidence of limited hybridization. The distinct genetic differences are maintained in the contact zone, where individuals of the two taxa may occupy neighboring territories. Differences in spring arrival dates, molt schedules, and migration routes indicate that a migratory divide may play an important role in reproductive isolation. We suggest that the two taxa are distinct cryptic species: an eastern form, Vireo gilvus, and a western form, Vireo swainsoni.

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Simulation of hybrid forest tree breeding strategies

Canadian Journal of Forest Research ◽

10.1139/x03-181 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 195-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

R J Kerr ◽

M J Dieters ◽

B Tier ◽

H S Dungey

Keyword(s):

Recurrent Selection ◽

Parental Species ◽

Tree Breeding ◽

Forest Tree ◽

Alternative Methods ◽

Breeding Strategies ◽

Reciprocal Recurrent Selection ◽

Forest Tree Breeding ◽

Forward Selection ◽

Pure Species

Computer simulation is the only realistic method of evaluating alternative methods of breeding hybrid forest trees. Empirical tests would be very long term and expensive. This paper describes the development of a simulation program, called XSIM, which generates two different but closely related outcrossing tree species. The genetic correlation between performance in each parental species and performance in the resulting hybrid can be set, in addition to the amounts and types of variances in each parental species. The breeding strategies available for testing include conventional reciprocal recurrent selection, reciprocal recurrent selection with forward selection, recurrent selection within each pure species, and the creation of a synthetic species. XSIM allows the strategies to be compared using the same base populations, equivalent selection intensities, and comparable mating patterns. Innovative best linear unbiased prediction procedures allow all ancestral and current progeny generation data, from both parental species and the hybrid, to be analysed together. The theoretical basis for the simulation is given, and genetic and statistical models are described. In summary, XSIM allows rigorous comparisons of the strategies in terms of genetic gain per time and provides useful insight into hybrid forest tree breeding.

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Morphological and genetic differentiation of Bufo toads: two cryptic species in Western Europe (Anura, Bufonidae)

Contributions to Zoology ◽

10.1163/18759866-08204001 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 82 (4) ◽

pp. 147-169 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jan W. Arntzen ◽

Jacob McAtear ◽

Ernesto Recuero ◽

Janine M. Ziermann ◽

Annemarie Ohler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mitochondrial Dna ◽

Genetic Differentiation ◽

Western Europe ◽

Nuclear Dna ◽

Sequence Data ◽

Bufo Bufo ◽

Sensu Stricto ◽

Additional Species ◽

Morphometric Characters ◽

Evolutionary Context

The Common toad Bufo bufo sensu lato is a widespread, morphologically conserved taxon. Recent studies have uncovered deep genetic differentiation between population groups, highlighting the need to revise the current taxonomy of the group and recognize additional species. Here we investigate patterns of variation in molecular (a mitochondrial DNA restriction enzyme assay and sequence data for two nuclear DNA fragments totalling 979 bp) and 17 morphological variables in Northern France where two of these groups meet (B. bufo sensu stricto and B. spinosus), in order to delineate their contact zone and uncover characters that would allow discrimination of the two taxa. Mitochondrial DNA data show an abrupt transition from areas where B. bufo is present to those inhabited by B. spinosus, with a narrow area of overlap east of the city of Caen. Morphometric characters, particularly those related to the positioning of the parotoid glands and metatarsal tubercle shape and size, proved useful in discriminating between species (AUC ≥ 0.97, kappa ≥ 0.79). We then used the differentiating character states to allocate over 300 museum specimens from Western Europe to either species with consistent results, including comparable values of AUC and kappa of the identification models, indicating that models could successfully be applied across datasets. We summarize available evidence relevant to the delineation of the distribution of B. bufo and B. spinosus in France and discuss the characters differentiating both species in an evolutionary context. In view of the observed morphological and genetic differentiation and the absence of unequivocal evidence for widespread hybridization we support the view that B. bufo and B. spinosus are best considered different species. Finally, we propose that ‘parotoids in parallel position’ and a thin and smooth skin are derived character states for B. bufo over the northern part of its range.

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Pliocene Origin, Ice Ages and Postglacial Population Expansion Have Influenced a Panmictic Phylogeography of the European Bee-Eater Merops apiaster

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d11010012 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 12 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Carina Carneiro de Melo Moura ◽

Hans-Valentin Bastian ◽

Anita Bastian ◽

Erjia Wang ◽

Xiaojuan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Differentiation ◽

Nuclear Dna ◽

Bird Species ◽

Population Expansion ◽

Genetic Connectivity ◽

Middle Pleistocene ◽

Ice Ages ◽

Breeding Sites ◽

Late Tertiary ◽

Merops Apiaster

Oscillations of periods with low and high temperatures during the Quaternary in the northern hemisphere have influenced the genetic composition of birds of the Palearctic. During the last glaciation, ending about 12,000 years ago, a wide area of the northern Palearctic was under lasting ice and, consequently, breeding sites for most bird species were not available. At the same time, a high diversity of habitats was accessible in the subtropical and tropical zones providing breeding grounds and refugia for birds. As a result of long-term climatic oscillations, the migration systems of birds developed. When populations of birds concentrated in refugia during ice ages, genetic differentiation and gene flow between populations from distinct areas was favored. In the present study, we explored the current genetic status of populations of the migratory European bee-eater. We included samples from the entire Palearctic-African distribution range and analyzed them via mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. DNA data indicated high genetic connectivity and panmixia between populations from Europe, Asia and Africa. Negative outcomes of Fu’s Fs and Tajima’s D tests point to recent expansion events of the European bee-eater. Speciation of Merops apiaster started during the Pliocene around three million years ago (Mya), with the establishment of haplotype lineages dated to the Middle Pleistocene period circa 0.7 Mya. M. apiaster, which breed in Southern Africa are not distinguished from their European counterparts, indicating a recent separation event. The diversification process of the European bee-eater was influenced by climatic variation during the late Tertiary and Quaternary. Bee-eaters must have repeatedly retracted to refugia in the Mediterranean and subtropical Africa and Asia during ice ages and expanded northwards during warm periods. These processes favored genetic differentiation and repeated lineage mixings, leading to a genetic panmixia, which we still observe today.

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Genetic status of the putative hybrid swarms of mountain dwarf pine and Scots pine in contact zones of their distribution in Slovakia

Biologia ◽

10.1515/biolog-2015-0153 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 70 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Peter Maňka ◽

Andrej Kormuťák ◽

Martin Galgóci ◽

Dušan Gömöry

Keyword(s):

Genetic Structure ◽

Scots Pine ◽

Molecular Level ◽

Natural Populations ◽

Hybrid Origin ◽

Putative Hybrid ◽

Hybrid Swarm ◽

Pure Species ◽

Hybrid Swarms ◽

History Of

AbstractGenetic structure of the mountain dwarf pine (Pinus mugo) and Scots pine (P. sylvestris) natural populations along with their 4 putative hybrid swarms in Slovakia were analyzed using 12 enzyme loci. The study aimed in evaluation of postulated hybrid status of the swarms on molecular level. Based on semidiagnostic allele frequencies of the MDH B, MDH C, 6PGDH B, ADH 1 and F-EST loci in their megagametophytes and vegetative buds, the conspicuous genetic differences were detected between P. mugo and P. sylvestris populations. The putative hybrid swarms seem to incline by their genetic structure to P. mugo rather than to P. sylvestris. Obtained results indicate independent developmental history of each of the scored hybrid swarms. The putative hybrid swarm in Sucha Hora was found to be a mixed stand consisting prevailingly of pure-species individuals of P. mugo and P. sylvestris. On the contrary, the putative hybrid swarms in Habovka, Tisovnica and Terchova are supposed to be of hybrid origin.

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NUCLEAR DNA CONTENT OF DENDROBIUM ORCHID SPECIES AS DETERMINED BY LASER FLOW CYTOMETRY

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.31.3.322c ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 322c-322

Author(s):

W.E. Jones ◽

A.R. Kuehnle ◽

K. Arumuganathan

Keyword(s):

Flow Cytometry ◽

Dna Content ◽

Nuclear Dna ◽

Evolutionary Relationship ◽

Internal Standard ◽

Nuclear Dna Content ◽

Orchid Species ◽

Group Assignment ◽

Taxonomic Groups

Flow cytometry (FC) has proven to be an efficient and reliable method to estimate nuclear DNA content (genome size) in quantifiable units useful for genetic and molecular biology studies. This method also makes possible determination of the variation in nuclear DNA content between related taxa, which gives insights into the process of speciation. In this study, DNA content was determined in nuclei isolated from leaves of 21 Dendrobium species representing each of the major taxonomic groups used in the Univ. of Hawaii breeding program. Nuclei were mechanically isolated, stained with the nucleic acid-specific fluorochrom propidium iodide, and DNA content determined using a Coulter Epics 753 laser flow cytometer. Chicken erythrocyte nuclei (2C = 2.33 pg DNA) were used as an internal standard for direct comparative measurement. The mean diploid genome (2C) values for Dendrobium species ranged from 3.36 to 5.06 pg. Genome sizes were evaluated for possible use as discrete characters for taxonomic group assignment and compared to previous data on breeding compatibility and evolutionary relationship between species.

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Reforestation in Belarus: From the history up to the present time

REFORESTA ◽

10.21750/refor.3.08.32 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 90

Author(s):

Vadim Nosnikov

Keyword(s):

Abies Alba ◽

Alnus Glutinosa ◽

Forest Tree ◽

Quantitative Composition ◽

Forest Plantations ◽

Silver Fir ◽

White Birch ◽

Scotch Pine ◽

History Of ◽

The Republic

The forest has always played a big part in Belarus. At present it covers about 40% of area of the country`s territory. Predominantly the forests are of natural origin. The main species are Pinus sylvestris L. (Scotch pine), Betula pendula Roth (European white birch) and Picea abies (L.) Karst. (Norway spruce). The other valuable species are Quercus robur L (English oak), Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. (European alder), Larix decidua Mill. (European larch), Abies alba Mill. (Silver fir). The history of the forest management in Belarus showed that over last 150 years the enormous damage to the qualitative and quantitative composition of forests had been made by wars and reconstruction of destroyed industry. The taken reforestation measures allowed to increase the forest area significantly, however, the work on improving of forests` quality requires further development. At present the artificial forest regeneration prevails in the republic. Over the past five years the volumes of established forest plantations range from 21 to 25 thousand hectares annually, the areas of assistance to the natural regeneration – from 4 to 6 thousand hectares annually. By now there are about 1,700 ha of the forest seed orchards, 2,795 plus trees and 1,125 ha of the plus stands in the republic. The cultivation of planting stock for needs of reforestation is carried out on 73 forest tree nurseries with a total area of 1,440 ha. Annually over the last five years there were grown from 270 to 317 million seedlings and transplants, among them 30-35 million seedlings were grown in greenhouses and about 6 million were container seedlings. In order to improve the gene resource and thereby to increase the productivity and quality of future forests, the tendency of forest plantations` prevalence in the reforestation process of Belarus should remain, but in this case the volumes of partial forest plantations should be increased.

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BLAWAP, a Black Walnut Size and Value Growth Model

Northern Journal of Applied Forestry ◽

10.1093/njaf/3.4.135 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 135-136

Author(s):

Edgar E. Gutierrez-Espeleta ◽

Carl W. Mize

Keyword(s):

Computer Program ◽

Growth Model ◽

Forest Tree ◽

Height Growth ◽

Black Walnut ◽

Interactive Computer Program ◽

Taper Equation ◽

Natural Stands ◽

Individual Trees ◽

Value Growth

Abstract Black walnut offers the highest potential return of any forest tree in the Midwest, but managing walnut in natural stands requires information on the size and value growth of individual trees. We developed an interactive computer program, BLAWAP, that estimates the dbh and height growth of individual, forest grown black walnut trees in Iowa. It uses a taper equation, the estimated dbh and height, and user-supplied information to estimate the value of the tree over the next 20 years. The program and its components are described, and program use is discussed. North. J. Appl. For. 3:135-136, Dec. 1986.

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Root systems of forest tree species and their soil-conservation functions on the Krušné hory Mts. slopes disturbed by mining

Journal of Forest Science ◽

10.17221/2167-jfs ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 53 (No. 12) ◽

pp. 561-566 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

P. Čermák ◽

F. Fér

Keyword(s):

Tree Species ◽

Soil Conservation ◽

Alnus Glutinosa ◽

Forest Tree ◽

Root System Architecture ◽

Open Pit ◽

Open Pit Mining ◽

Acer Platanoides ◽

Forest Tree Species

The paper describes the root system architecture of the forest tree species Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus robur L., Pinus sylvestris L., Carpinus betulus L., Acer platanoides L., and Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. at the age of 80–220 years growing on the slopes of the Krušné hory Mts. at the altitude of 330 to 480 m above sea level. These species were influenced by open-pit mining of brown coal as well as by power engineeting. The investigation also involves the determination of soil properties of Ranker Cambisols.

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