Colonization genetics of an animal‐dispersed plant (Vaccinium membranaceum) at Mount St Helens, Washington

摘要: Population founding and spatial spread may profoundly influence later population genetic structure, but their effects are difficult to quantify when history is unknown. We examined the of founder group formation in a recently founded animal-dispersed Vaccinium membranaceum (black huckleberry) on new volcanic deposits at Mount St Helens (Washington, USA) 24 years post-eruption. Using amplified fragment length polymorphisms assignment tests, we determined sources newly characterized variation within source populations. Our analyses indicate that while founders were derived from many sources, about half originated small number plants survived 1980 eruption pockets remnant soil embedded primary successional areas. found no evidence strong effect population; indeed diversity tended be higher than some regions. Similarly, did not increase among-population variance, there was kin-structured dispersal population. These results high gene flow among long-distance important processes shaping this young V. Other species with similar abilities also able colonize habitats without significant reduction or differentiation