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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Very low mitochondrial variability in a stingless bee endemic to cerrado

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Author(s):
Brito, Rute Magalhaes [1, 2] ; Francisco, Flavio de Oliveira [2] ; Francoso, Elaine [2] ; Santiago, Leandro Rodrigues [2] ; Arias, Maria Cristina [2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Genet & Bioquim, BR-38400 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Genet Biol & Evolut, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY; v. 36, n. 1, p. 124-128, 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 9
Abstract

Partamona mulata is a stingless bee species endemic to cerrado, a severely threatened phytogeographical domain. Clearing for pasture without proper soil treatment in the cerrado facilitates the proliferation of termite ground nests, which are the nesting sites for P. mulata. The genetic consequences of these changes in the cerrado environment for bee populations are still understudied. In this work, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 48 colonies of P. mulata collected throughout the species' distribution range by sequencing two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome B. A very low polymorphism rate was observed when compared to another Partamona species from the Atlantic forest. Exclusive haplotypes were observed in two of the five areas sampled. The sharing of two haplotypes between collection sites separated by a distance greater than the flight range of queens indicates an ancient distribution for these haplotypes. The low haplotype and nucleotide diversity observed here suggests that P. mulata is either a young species or one that has been through population bottlenecks. Locally predominant and exclusive haplotypes (H2 and H4) may have been derived from local remnants through cerrado deforestation and the expansion of a few colonies with abundant nesting sites. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/08546-4 - Genetic structure of island and mainland populations of bees from Atlantic Forest
Grantee:Flávio de Oliveira Francisco
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate