Effect of habitat fragmentation on levels and patterns of genetic diversity in natural populations of the peat moss Polytrichum commune

摘要: Peat bogs represent unique ecosystems that are under particular threat from fragmentation due to peat harvesting, with only 38% of the original peatland in Europe remaining intact and unaffected by cutting, drainage silviculture. In this study, we have used microsatellite markers determine levels patterns genetic diversity both cut uncut natural populations moss Polytrichum commune. Overall suggest there is more variation present than had previously been assumed for bryophytes. Despite this, values completely were found be lower those peatlands (average 0.729 versus 0.880). addition, was highly structured populations, further suggesting drift already affecting subjected fragmentation.