Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Devlin, Donna

Abstract

The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was a period of massive range contraction for numerous taxa, including the water-dispersed mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L. Following the LGM, R. mangle expanded poleward via propagule transport by ocean currents. In this study, we use microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of nine R. mangle populations and compare potential expansion pathways that resulted in the colonization of the Florida peninsula and Caribbean islands. Results show comparatively greater genetic connectivity between the Caribbean mainland and Florida, a similar pattern between West Africa and Caribbean islands, and substantial admixture on the island of San Salvador, the Bahamas. We conclude that Florida and Caribbean island R. mangle populations were likely recolonized via different expansion pathways. Estimates of recent migration rates are low and populations are structured into three regions (Caribbean mainland, Caribbean islands, Florida). These findings provide insight for future management and conservation initiatives.

Extent

84 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004206

Format

pdf

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