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Testing theoretical metapopulation conditions with genotypic data from Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata).
- Source :
-
Canadian Journal of Zoology . 2019, Vol. 97 Issue 11, p1042-1053. 12p. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- The metapopulation concept has far-reaching implications in ecology and conservation biology. Hanski's criteria operationally define metapopulations, yet testing them is hindered by logistical and financial constraints inherent to the collection of long-term demographic data. Hence, ecologists and conservationists often assume metapopulation existence for dispersal-limited species that occupy patchy habitats. To advance understanding of metapopulation theory and improve conservation of metapopulations, we used population and landscape genetic tools to develop a methodological framework for evaluating Hanski's criteria. We used genotypic data (11 microsatellite loci) from a purported metapopulation of Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata (Agassiz, 1850)) in Colorado, U.S.A., to test Hanski's four criteria. We found support for each criterion: (1) significant genetic differentiation between wetlands, suggesting distinct breeding populations; (2) wetlands had small effective population sizes and recent bottlenecks, suggesting populations do not experience long-term persistence; (3) population graphs provided evidence of gene flow between patches, indicating potential for recolonization; and (4) multiscale bottleneck analyses suggest asynchrony, indicating that simultaneous extinction of all populations was unlikely. Our methodological framework provides a logistically and financially feasible alternative to long-term demographic data for identifying amphibian metapopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00084301
- Volume :
- 97
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Canadian Journal of Zoology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 139474026
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2018-0275