Estimation of Population Reduction and Gene Flow in the Rare Orchid Isotria medeoloides

Author (Your Name)

Philip Crystal, Colby College

Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Colby Access Only)

Department

Colby College. Biology Dept.

Advisor(s)

Judy L. Stone

Second Advisor

Joshua Kavaler

Third Advisor

Herbert Wilson

Abstract

Isotria medeoloides (Pursh) Raf. is a threatened orchid species with an Appalachian distribution in the eastern United States. There are only 150 populations, 67 of which are in Maine and New Hampshire. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is attempting to preserve the species by protecting populations and potential colonization sites. Previous microsatellite analysis of fifteen populations throughout the species revealed low genetic diversity and high inbreeding. This study uses four microsatellite loci to determine gene flow, effective population sizes, and population size reductions among eighteen populations in order to identify genetically important sites. Results indicate that populations in the southern range of the species are severely reduced. The relatively diverse northern populations also show signs of population decline. A coalescent genealogy sampler revealed low gene flow with most populations sending and receiving less than one migrant per generation. Gene flow was especially low among small southern populations.

Comments

No full-text access permitted.

Keywords

coalescent, microsatellites, migration, population genetics

Recommended Citation

Crystal, Philip, "Estimation of Population Reduction and Gene Flow in the Rare Orchid Isotria medeoloides" (2009). Honors Theses. Paper 487.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/honorstheses/487

Copyright

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