Super-genotype: global monoclonality defies the odds of nature

Johannes J. Le Roux, Ania M. Wieczorek, Mark G. Wright, Carol T. Tran

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)
5 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The ability to respond to natural selection under novel conditions is critical for the establishment and persistence of introduced alien species and their ability to become invasive. Here we correlated neutral and quantitative genetic diversity of the weed Pennisetum setaceum Forsk. Chiov. (Poaceae) with differing global (North American and African) patterns of invasiveness and compared this diversity to native range populations. Numerous molecular markers indicate complete monoclonality within and among all of these areas (FST = 0.0) and is supported by extreme low quantitative trait variance (QST = 0.00065-0.00952). The results support the general-purpose-genotype hypothesis that can tolerate all environmental variation. However, a single global genotype and widespread invasiveness under numerous environmental conditions suggests a super-genotype. The super-genotype described here likely evolved high levels of plasticity in response to fluctuating environmental conditions during the Early to Mid Holocene. During the Late Holocene, when environmental conditions were predominantly constant but extremely inclement, strong selection resulted in only a few surviving genotypes.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0000590
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume2
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Jul 2007
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2007. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

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