Effect of geographic range discontinuity on species differentiation—East-Mediterranean Abies cilicica: a case study

摘要: In the present study, a genetic analysis of nuclear microsatellites was conducted in Abies cilicica populations growing West Taurus, East and Lebanon mountains to obtain evidence for significant differentiation. Despite range fragmentation, all examined tended maintain relatively high level diversity (H E  = 0.724) showed moderate differentiation (F ST  = 0.134) that is frequently noted Mediterranean tree species. However, inbreeding, bottleneck effect, low effective population sizes were detected, may negatively affect species resources. Bayesian clustering revealed three distinct groups, “West Taurus”, “East Taurus,” “Lebanon”, which reflect geographic structure natural range. Minor admixture between Lebanese Taurus A. found, but no Taurus. We argue discovered among areas occurrence probably due effect long-lasting isolation started region along with Pleistocene climatic alternation further enhanced human-induced deforestations.