<S1-3> Molecular phylogeny and evolution of tropical forest trees

Abstract

Genetic diversity is important for all levels of biodiversity because the extents and patterns of genetic diversity influence population viability and adaptation in changing environments, the generation of new species, and the function of ecosystems as well. DNA molecular markers are also widely used for rapid identification of species and for investigating spatial and temporal patterns of gene flow, which are important for understanding the population stability. Here we synthesize knowledge from evolutionary and population genetic studies of tropical forest trees, especially for dipterocarp species in Southeast Asia, and give a brief introduction of the related theoretical population genetic background. First we focus on DNA divergence between species, and how the comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the dipterocarp species is useful. Second we highlight the research studying the extents and the geographic distributions of genetic variations within species, and then discuss how to elucidate the biogeographic history of Sundaland based on the pattern of DNA variations. Future opportunities using genetic data in tropical forestry and ecology are discussed.