cerana survival, populations in adjacent valleys are more likely to undergo genetic differentiation as a result of the blockage of gene flow. This study indeed showed genetic differentiation between A. cerana populations in different valleys of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Based on the conducted PCoA and DAPC, A. cerana in different valleys showed obvious differentiation. Furthermore, the FST of microsatellites and mitochondria ranged from 0.04–0.29 to 0.06–0.76, respectively. According to Wright (Wright, 1978) and compared to other A. cerana research (Xu et al., 2013a; Yin and Ji, 2013), these results indicate population genetic differentiation. The highest reported elevation for a A. cerana population in the literature is 3250 m (Hepburn et al., 2001; Yang, 2001; Radloff et al., 2005). The observations of A. cerana at 3,040 m reported here are consistent with previously reported observations (Zhu et al., 2017). Based on this information, it could be inferred that the upper limit of the hospitable zone for A. cerana does not exceed 3,500 m. The valleys that were chosen in this study are separated by mountains with elevations > 4,000 m, such as the Boshula and Taniantaweng Mountains (Liu et al., 2016; Yang et al., 2016). Two main environmental characteristics are specific for this area. The first is that the area lacks vegetation, and is mostly covered by bare rock. The second is the presence of plateau meadows. In the eastern valleys of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the lack of tree holes for nesting prevents A. cerana survival, thus blocking gene flow throughout the valleys. The resulting genetic differentiation between valleys suggests that nesting conditions are important ecological factors for A. cerana. Between valleys, nectar and pollen plants suitable as food sources for A. cerana have been found, along with bumblebees nesting in the ground. However, the apparent lack of suitable nesting places, such as caves or holes in tall trees, prevents the survival of A. cerana populations in such environments.
Genetic Diversity and you may Investment Maintenance
Comparison of A. cerana in this study with other A. cerana shows their genetic differentiation, which reflects the special genetic structure and potential as germplasm resource of A. cerana in the alpine valley. cerana from the Loess Plateau, the Qinling-Daba Mountains, and the Hainan Island as indicated by the FST value with an average is 0.14 in both utilized loci (Table S5) (Xu et al., 2013a,c; Guo et al., 2016). Similarly, the FST values between the samples of the current study and A. cerana from Changbai Mountains and Fujian Province ranged from 0.31 to 0.72 (with an average of 0.45) (Zhu et al., 2011; Yu et al., 2013). Genetic differentiation between the investigated samples and A. cerana in Guizhou is corroborated by FST values (with an average of 0.08) (Yu et al., 2017). Moderate or strong genetic differentiation was found in loci Ap085, AP313, Ac-2, Ac-5, Ac-26, Ac-1, Ac-35, UN117, SV039, BI314, K0715, AP243, AP066, AC011, AP189, BI225, UN244T, and AT004, which indicates that the investigated sample has a distinct genetic structure in these loci. These analyses indicate the special genetic structure of honeybees in the alpine valleys of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which is a consequence of selection and genetic drift influenced by long-time isolation. Therefore, A. cerana in the valleys of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a unique and precious genetic resource.
The latest gotten samples inform you genetic distinction with An excellent
On valleys of your own Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the newest gene move of Good. cerana is readily prohibited, ultimately causing hereditary divergence certainly one of communities. Brand new assortment of these communities is relatively highest; not, the newest hereditary divergence between communities try lowparison with the exact same A beneficial. cerana research indicates that he ranges away from 0.2066 to help you 0.8305 (Chen mais aussi al., 2011; Ji mais aussi al., 2011), Picture ranges out-of 0.twenty eight so you can 0.81 (Cao ainsi que al., 2013; Xu ainsi que al., 2013a), Na ranges from 1.81 to (Ji et al., 2011; Xu mais aussi al., 2013c), High definition selections regarding 0.171 so you’re able to 0.905 (Zhou ainsi que al., 2012; Ren et al., 2018), and you will ? ranges away from 0.00049 in order to 0.03034 (Zhou et al., 2012; Li ainsi que al., 2018). New genetic range of any populace tested within investigation are seemingly lowest. It is primarily a result of the end result out of short society designs (Xu et al., 2013b; Zhao mais aussi al., 2017). The environment of one’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau determines the newest pure shipping from A great. cerana. Here, environmental situations such elevation and you will nesting environments have approached new limitations regarding viability because of it varieties. Under specific environment limitations, the energetic population sized A good. cerana tends to be less than five-hundred territories. During the confirmed mutation rates, that it causes low genetic diversity as a result of the brief quantity of men and women in every offered population (Vrijenhoek, 1997; Amos data de LatamDateA and you can Harwood, 1998; Frankham et al., 2002; Ellis mais aussi al., 2006). The latest environmental surroundings of your own valleys limit the expansion away from small A great. cerana communities with the big communities, with contributes to reasonable hereditary variety.
