Genetic diversity, structure, and demography of Pandanus boninensis (Pandanaceae) with sea drifted seeds, endemic to the Ogasawara Islands of Japan: Comparison between young and old islands

Population genetic analyses reveal that Pandanus boninensis, endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, exhibits significantly lower genetic diversity and distinct demographic patterns on younger volcanic islands compared to older ones. Clustering of EST-SSR markers shows strong divergence between populations on old Bonin and young Volcano Islands, with evidence suggesting population expansion in older islands and reduction in younger ones. Migration appears limited between island groups, with rare movement from south to north among older islands. These findings highlight the evolutionary significance of young island populations as models for early-stage colonization, characterized by small effective sizes and low genetic diversity.

Setsuko, S., Sugai, K., Tamaki, I., Takayama, K., Kato, H., & Yoshimaru, H. (2020). Genetic diversity, structure, and demography of Pandanus boninensis (Pandanaceae) with sea drifted seeds, endemic to the Ogasawara Islands of Japan: Comparison between young and old islands. Molecular Ecology, 29(6), 1050–1068. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.15383