HOW EFFICIENTLY DOES BRYOPHYTE DISPERSAL LEAD TO GENE FLOW?

Abstract

  Migration leading to gene flow increases the level of genetic variation within populations and prevents genetic differentiation among populations. The extent of gene flow is generally examined using indirect methods utilizing either protein or DNA markers. Based on the analysis of genetic differentiation among bryophyte populations, it is evident that most species have a fair amount of gene flow occurring between their populations. So far, the level of knowledge concerning hepatics is more limited than that of mosses. Factors influencing the estimates of gene flow are discussed.