Pollinating fig wasps: genetic consequences of island recolonization.
The levels of genetic diversity and gene flow may influence the long-term persistence of populations. Using microsatellite markers, we investigated genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in island (Krakatau archipelago, Indonesia) and mainland (Java and Sumatra, Indonesia) populations of Liporrhopalum tentacularis and Ceratosolen bisulcatus, the fig wasp pollinators of two dioecious Ficus (fig tree) species. Genetic diversity in Krakatau archipelago populations was similar to that found on the mainland. Population differentiation between mainland coastal sites and the Krakatau islands was weak in both wasp species, indicating that the intervening 40 km across open sea may not be a barrier for wasp gene flow (dispersal) and colonization of the islands. Surprisingly, mainland populations of the fig waSPS may be more genetically isolated than the islands, as gene flow between populations on the Javan mainland differed between the two wasp species. Contrasting growth forms and relative 'immunity' to the effects of deforestation in their host fig trees may account for these differences.
Zavodna
Monika
M
Department of Plant Population Biology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Heteren, Netherlands. m.zavodna@nioo.knaw.nl
Arens
Paul
P
Van Dijk
Peter J
PJ
Partomihardjo
Tukirin
T
Vosman
Ben
B
Van Damme
Jos M M
JM
D000818:Animals; D017931:DNA Primers; D003710:Demography; D030681:Ficus; D005787:Gene Frequency; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005828:Genetics, Population; D005843:Geography; D007214:Indonesia; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D011157:Population Dynamics; D014863:Wasps / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D017931:DNA Primers