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Graduate Students: Whitney Belaski

Population genetic structure and genetic variation are important components of species biology, which may be influenced by both natural processes and human actions. Zizania aquatica and Z. palustris are aquatic, annual grasses whose populations have declined in Michigan. To investigate the genetic structure of these species in Michigan, I analyzed three chloroplast DNA fragments from 97 individuals of Z. aquatica sampled from 5 sites in Michigan and from 250 individuals of Z. palustris sampled from 9 sites in Michigan and one site in Minnesota. I also compared our results to those of previous studies across the range of both species. Genetic differentiation between populations was high in both species, although geographic structure was weak or absent. Z. palustris in Michigan showed lower levels of genetic differentiation than previously reported in other parts of its range at the same markers, which combined with strong similarity in haplotype composition among several Michigan sites with a known history of planting and a site in the seed source region suggest that planting may be having localized impacts on genetic structure in Z. palustris, in particular. Managers should consider the high levels of genetic differentiation observed in these species when making planting decisions.

Funding provided by:
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

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