Landscape genetics of a collembolan species Cryptopygus antarcticus travei on sub­ Antarctic Marion Island

Abstract

Genetic studies are of great importance to obtain an understanding of the genetic structure of animal communities and the abiotic and biotic factors that shape these. The sub-Antarctic region, more specifically Marion Island, that can be used as a natural laboratory to understand genetic structure and how this is shaped by biotic and abiotic factors. It is evident that landscape plays an important role in modelling biodiversity patterns. To this end, biodiversity patterns are especially complex in habitats that are heterogeneous. The spatial genetic structure (SGS) on a local scale is known for the cushion plant (Azorella selago); relatedness breaks down across several meters. Here we extend our understanding at local scales by studying the SGS in the arthropod Cryptopygus antarcticus travei. Preliminary results based on 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci suggests complex patterns with relatedness breaking down as a function of distance.