Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (Biological Science) Honours
School
School of Natural Science
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
First Supervisor
Dr Robert Davis
Abstract
Species occurring in fragmented urban habitats often exhibit low genetic diversity which can be attributed to restricted gene flow and elevated levels of inbreeding. This can have serious implications for the survival of species especially when faced with additional pressures caused by urbanisation. The population genetic structure of the generalist skink Ctenotus fallens was examined within and among three urban vegetation remnants in the Perth metropolitan area in Western Australia, using both microsatellite and AFLP markers. Historic genetic connectivity between the populations of each remnant was shown as well as weak patterns of genetic differentiation which appeared to suggest isolation by distance. The results presented two possible scenarios; that genetic connectivity is maintained between populations via dispersal between remnants through the urban matrix or, that the urban matrix is a barrier to gene flow for C. fallens and contemporary levels of gene flow cannot be detected due to large, randomly mating populations persisting within the remnants which may be acting as a buffer for any genetic change associated with isolation.
Recommended Citation
Krawiec, J. (2011). The effects of urban habitat fragmentation on the population genetic structure of the scincid lizard Ctenotus fallens. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/5