Genetic imprints of Brosimum alicastrum (Moraceae) in Mexico

PREMISE: Mechanisms generating the geographical distributions of genetic diversity are a central matter in evolutionary biology. The amount of genetic diversity and its distribution are controlled by several factors, including dispersal abilities, physical barriers and environmental and climatic changes. We investigated the patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation among populations of the widespread species Brosimum alicastrum in Mexico.

METHODS: Using nuclear DNA microsatellite data, we determined the current state of genetic diversity and its distribution to determine if the genetic structure was consistent with geographical settings of Mexico and to infer the role of past events in the genetic diversity patterns.

RESULTS: Our results suggested that Mexican B. alicastrum is well differentiated into three main lineages. Patterns of the genetic structure at a finer scale did not entirely correspond with the present-day geographic barriers to gene flow.

CONCLUSIONS: We ...