Graduation Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources: option Environmental Science and Management
Committee Chair Name
Alison O'Dowd
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Oscar Mauricio Vargas-Hernandez
Second Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Erik Jules
Third Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Fourth Committee Member Name
David Imper
Fourth Committee Member Affiliation
Community Member or Outside Professional
Keywords
Population genomics, Conservation genetics, Clonality, Rare plant, Endangered species, Lathyrus, Genetic Diversity
Subject Categories
Botany
Abstract
Lathyrus biflorus, or the two-flowered pea, is a rare herbaceous perennial restricted to a single population in Northern California. The species is considered critically imperiled but remains unprotected under state or federal endangered species acts. Despite its rarity, little is known about its life history, reproductive biology, or genetic diversity. Using genome-wide reduced representation sequencing, this study aimed to address these gaps by investigating the molecular evidence of clonality, the number and diversity of genets (unique genetic individuals which can be made up of one or many clonal units or ramets), and overall genetic health of the population. My findings confirm that L. biflorus does show evidence of both sexual and clonal reproduction. Clonal reproduction is dominant; only five genets were represented within the 57 individuals sampled with the majority of ramets derived from just two clonal lineages. Low genetic diversity at the population level and evidence of inbreeding reveals the species is at risk. However, high genotypic variation and differentiation present a potential opportunity for genetic rescue through active management. This study establishes a critical baseline for future monitoring and conservation efforts aimed at mitigating extinction risk for this endangered species.
Citation Style
Chicago
Recommended Citation
Dickinson, Ashley, "Assessment of the genetic population structure and extent of clonality in a rare serpentine endemic, Lathyrus biflorus T.W. Nelson & J.P. Nelson (Fabaceae), using ddRAD sequencing" (2025). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2266.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2266