Loss of Genetic Variability in a Fragmented Continuously Distributed Population

An individual-based simulation model was used to examine the effect of population sub-division, dispersal distance of offspring, and migration rates between subpopulations on genetic variability (H_I H_s and H_T) in a continuously distributed population. Some difficulties with mathematical models of a continuously distributed population have been pointed out. The individual-based model can avoid these difficulties and can be used to examine genetic variability in a population within which individuals are distributed continuously and in which the dispersal of individuals is disturbed by geographical or artificial barriers. The present simulation showed that the pattern of decrease in H_I had three stages. During the first stage, H_I decreased at the rates predicted by Wright's neighborhood size. During the second stage, H_I decreased more rapidly when the migration rate decreased, while during the third stage, it decreased less rapidly when the migration rate decreased. Increasing the number of subdivisions increased the rate of decrease after the 200th generation. The pattern of decrease in H_T was classified into 2 stages. During the first stage, the rates of decrease corresponded with those of a randomly mating population. During the second stage, a decrease in the migration rates of the subpopulations slowed the rate of decrease in H_T. A uniform spatial distribution and a reduced total dispersal distance of offspring caused H_I, H_s, and H_T to decrease more rapidly. Habitat fragmentation in a continuously distributed population usually was detrimental to the genetic variability in the early generations. Other implications of the results for conservation are discussed.