Dissertation Research: Demographic and Genetic Consequencesof Isolation in Aconitum noveboracense

Aconitum noveboracense is a rare plant that is federally 被列为威胁。 这项研究将探讨如何在 其生活史、种群动态和遗传结构 相互作用，影响小种群的生存能力， 它是存在的。 已经收集了三到六年的人口数据 10个大猩猩种群。 这些数据将被纳入 一个模拟种群动态的模型 每个种群的长期生存概率。 的 对12个黄粉虫种群的遗传结构进行了分析， 使用核糖体DNA和随机单拷贝来表征 基因组探针 第二个模型，模拟种群生存能力 根据遗传标准，将用于分析这些数据。 将对这两种模型进行分析，以突出 最重要的是调节种群的生存能力。 除了提供关于人口的基本信息外， 遗传变异，这项研究将比较预测， 由人口统计学和遗传学产生的种群生存力 模型 这种方法提供了一个经验基础， 研究现有理论的优势和局限性 模型同时，它为制定 为当地居民提供管理建议。 这 种群动态和遗传学的结合研究将提高 我们对每一种动物在保护稀有动物方面所起作用的理解， 物种

Aconitum noveboracense is a rare plant that is federally listed as Threatened. This study will examine the way in which its life history, population dynamics and genetic structure interact to influence the viability of the small populations in which it exists. Three to six years of demographic data have been gathered for ten Aconitum populations. These data will be incorporated into a model that simulates population dynamics and determines the probability of long-term survival of each population. The population genetic structure of twelve Aconitum populations will be characterized using ribosomal DNA and random single copy genomic probes. A second model, simulating population viability based upon genetic criteria, will be used to analyze these data. Both models will be analyzed to highlight the factors that are most important in regulating population viability. In addition to providing basic information on population genetic variation, this study will compare the predictions for population viability generated by demographic and genetic models. This approach provides an empirical basis from which to examine the strengths and limitations of existing theoretical models. At the same time, it provides a basis for making management recommendations for Aconitum populations. This combined study of population dynamics and genetics will enhance our understanding of the role each plays in preserving rare species.