Phylogeographical structure of the boreal-montane orchidMalaxis monophyllosas a result of multi-directional gene flow

Abstract

We investigated the phylogeographical structure of the boreal‐montane orchid Malaxis monophyllos in its Eurasian geographical range. We analysed four sequences of plastid DNA (trnL, trnL–trnF, rps16 and accD‐psaI), resulting in 19 haplotypes and revealing a high level of intraspecific diversity (HD = 0.702 and π = 0.196 × 10−2), but showing a lack of phylogeographical structure. This pattern might be caused by multiple phenomena and processes, e.g. broad‐fronted recolonization with accompanying multi‐directional gene flow between populations and expansion from at least two refugial areas. Despite the lack of phylogeographical structure, three centres of haplotype diversity were indicated in the European part of the range of M. monophyllos. According to these data, alpine and lowland glacial refugia located between the ice sheets in the European Alps and the Scandinavian glaciers seem most likely to be in Europe. Moreover, models of climatically suitable areas during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) confirmed the Alps as a possible refuge, and indicated an opportunity for the persistence of M. monophyllos populations in Beringia and parts of Siberia. Using two models [Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC) and Community Climate System Model (CCSM)], we predicted a significant reduction in climatically suitable areas for M. monophyllos in the future (2080). Our study also demonstrated that the biological features of M. monophyllos, including breeding system and dispersal mode, seem to be crucial in understanding its phylogeographical pattern. Our results also highlighted the importance of anthropogenic habitats as reservoirs of genetic diversity and alternative habitats for this species in the context of declining natural populations. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 178, 138–154.

Genetic implications of phylogeographical patterns in the conservation of the boreal wetland butterflyColias palaeno(Pieridae)

“…Our knowledge is mostly restricted to ecological analyses (Krogerus, 1960;Coulson & Butterfield, 1985) and some studies concerning local and regional genetic structures (Bernard & Schmitt, 2010;Buczkowska et al, 2012;Rasic & Keyghobadi, 2012). Consequently, phylogeographical studies of European bog species, one of the pillars of conservation planning, are still scarce (N eve, 1994;Bernard et al, 2011;Jermakowicz et al, 2015).…”

Demographic responses of boreal-montane orchid Malaxis monophyllos (L.) Sw. populations to contrasting environmental conditions

“…Most simulations [12,13] suggest that montane populations are especially endangered by the potential lack of reproduction and recruitment due to climatic changes. The presented study also points to montane populations of M. monophyllos as those with decreased individual fitness (smaller sizes, lower fruit sets), which is additionally strengthened by negative scenarios for this region, that result from SDM models for M. monophyllos' prospects in Europe [59].…”

“…Our results also indicate that reproduction plays a key role in the differentiation of M. monophyllos populations in regions, what can determine probability to survival of these populations, and may be also the cause of further progressive differentiations of populations in regions. In consequence, it could presumably lead to the formation of some biological barriers, together with progressive fragmentation and separation of the boreal and montane parts of the range [59].…”

“…The demographic processes operating in these secondary populations are still relatively unknown, and they may be of particular value in terms of preserving the rarest species of plants [58]. Our earlier investigations revealed the significance of upland populations in shaping M. monophyllos' large-scale genetic structure [59]. Moreover, the extinction of M. monophyllos natural populations, their ephemeral character, and instability in the long term [51], with poor information regarding their life history highlight the need for detailed studies on the mechanisms and processes shaping population viability.…”

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“…However, in contrast to the Alps, the phenomenon of the phylogeographical history of plants in mountain ranges of Central Europe is still poorly understood, and research are scarce (Ronikier, 2011). Similarly, research that takes into account the widespread circum-boreal plant species in the northern hemisphere inhabiting populations in the Sudetes, Bohemian Forest or Harz Mts are also scarce (Alsos et al, 2005;Kramp et al, 2009;Wróblewska, 2013;Jermakowicz et al, 2015). With the exception of studies dealing with the Saxifraga genus (Bauert et al, 1998;Vargas, 2001;Oliver, Hollingsworth & Gornall, 2006;Winkler et al, 2012, Winkler et al, 2013 and Salix sp.…”