HR: 11:00h
AN: NB32A-03    [Abstracts]
TI: The Relevance and Applicability of Phylogeographic Analyses to Conservation and Restoration Efforts
AU: * Heilveil, J S
EM: jeffrey.heilveil@ndsu.edu
AF: Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND 58105 United States
AB: The combined analysis of geographic distribution and phylogenetic information, commonly known as phylogeography, is often overlooked by restoration and conservation efforts. This powerful tool can be extremely useful in both the planning and evaluation stages of a project. One use of phylogeographic analyses is the comparison of current and historical patterns of gene flow, allowing restoration efforts to focus on reconnecting recently isolated populations. They can also be used to identify genetically similar and therefore potentially better adapted populations to serve as a source for reintroductions, i.e. restoration genetics. From a conservation standpoint, phylogeographic studies help support causality between environmental stressors and changes in population structure (e.g., Theodorakis 2003). A brief explanation of phylogeographic analyses will be followed by case studies showing some of the applications of this tool for restoration and conservation projects.
DE: 1699 General or miscellaneous
DE: 9810 New fields (not classifiable under other headings)
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly