Examining the spatiotemporal variation of genetic diversity and genetic rarity in the natural plant recolonization of human-altered areas

The spatiotemporal genetic variation at early plant life stages may substantially affect the natural recolonization of human-altered areas, which is crucial to understand plant and habitat conservation. In animal-dispersed plants, dispersers' behavior may critically drive the distribution of genetic variation. Here, we examine how genetic rarity is spatially and temporally structured in seedlings of a keystone pioneer palm (Chamaerops humilis) and how the variation of genetic rarity could ultimately affect plant recruitment. We intensively monitored the seed rain mediated by two medium-sized carnivores during two consecutive seasons in a Mediterranean human-altered area. We genotyped 143 out of 309 detected seedlings using 12 microsatellite markers. We found that seedlings emerging from carnivore-dispersed seeds showed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity and no evidence of inbreeding. We found inflated kinship among seedlings that emerged from seeds within a single carnivore fecal sample, but a dilution of such FSGS at larger spatial scales (e.g. latrine). Seedlings showed a significant genetic sub-structure and the sibling relationships varied depending on the spatial scale. Rare genotypes arrived slightly later throughout the dispersal season and tended to be spatially isolated. However, genetic rarity was not a significant predictor by itself which indicates that, at least, its influence on seedling survival was smaller than other spatiotemporal factors. Our results suggest strong C. humilis resilience to genetic bottlenecks due to human disturbances. We highlight the study of plant-animal interactions from a genetic perspective since it provides crucial information for plant conservation and the recovery of genetic plant resilience.

Automated summary

This study examines the spatiotemporal genetic variation in seedlings of a keystone pioneer palm and its impact on plant recruitment. The authors found that seedlings from carnivore-dispersed seeds showed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity and no inbreeding. There was a genetic sub-structure among seedlings, with sibling relationships varying depending on spatial scale. While rare genotypes arrived slightly later and tended to be spatially isolated, genetic rarity was not a significant predictor of seedling survival. The study emphasizes the importance of studying plant-animal interactions from a genetic perspective for plant conservation.