Abstract
In this study I focus on genetic diversity on frog population in the Gulf of Bothnia. The study is important because: 1) Amphibians are declining and are protected by law in Sweden, 2) The coast along the Bothnian bay has a unique flora and fauna in an international perspective, 3) Knowledge about genetic diversity within and among population is important for the conservation and management of populations. I will examine the relationship between molecular (Fst) and quantitative (Qst) genetic differentiation in frog populations on islands in the Bothnian bay. Traditionally molecular markers (Fst) have been used to advocate the value of populations for conservation. However recent studies suggest that quantitative estimates (e.g. life history characters) of genetic diversity (Qst) are much more relevant. Hence we need knowledge about the relationship between Fst and Qst and the current study will provide such estimates. I will also examine the genetics of phenotypic plasticity in life history in the frog population by testing a recent model on the evolution of phenotypic plasticity. Phenotypic plasticity is the property of a given genotype to produce different phenotypes in response to changes in the environment. Information on phenotypic plasticity is important since it tells us how well individuals and populations can respond to environmental changes.
Sweden