Assessing Clark's nutcracker seed-caching flights using maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA of whitebark pine

Bryce A. Richardson; Ned B. Klopfenstein; Steven J. Brunsfeld

Treesearch

Assessing Clark's nutcracker seed-caching flights using maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA of whitebark pine

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Bryce A. Richardson, Ned B. Klopfenstein, Steven J. Brunsfeld

Year:

2002

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 32(6): 1103-1107.

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Abstract

Maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) were used to examine the maternal genetic structure at three hierarchical spatial scales: fine scale, coarse scale, and interpopulation. These data were used to draw inferences into Clark’s nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana Wilson) seedcaching flight distances. Statistical analyses of fine-scale and coarse-scale distribution of haplotypes showed no apparent signs of deviation from a random pattern. This suggests nutcrackers are effective in dispersal of seed within populations, which is consistent with data gathered on nutcracker seed-caching behavior. However, the lack of homogeneity in haplotype frequencies among populations indicates nutcrackers rarely disperse seeds across large gaps (>20 km) in subalpine habitat.

Keywords

Pinus albicaulis, Nucifraga columbiana, mitochondrial DNA, seed dispersal, forest management, Washington

Citation

Richardson, Bryce A.; Klopfenstein, Ned B.; Brunsfeld, Steven J. 2002. Assessing Clark's nutcracker seed-caching flights using maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA of whitebark pine. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 32(6): 1103-1107.