Date of Award
Spring 2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS) in Biology
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Jimmy Triplett
Abstract
Clematis socialis (Kral) is a rare, federally endangered perennial species restricted to a small number of fragmented populations in Alabama and Georgia. The species exhibits extensive clonality and limited sexual recruitment, characteristics that complicate expectations regarding genetic diversity and population connectivity. Despite its conservation significance, genome-wide assessments of population structure have been lacking. We used genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to generate a genome-wide SNP dataset for 170 individuals sampled from six natural populations. Population structure and genetic differentiation were evaluated using Bayesian clustering, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), pairwise FST estimates, and network-based visualization. Analyses revealed strong genetic structuring among populations and the presence of two major genetic lineages. Genetic variation was partitioned primarily among populations, indicating limited contemporary gene flow despite geographic proximity of some sites. Patterns of differentiation were consistent with long-term isolation and the dominant influence of genetic drift. These findings demonstrate that extant populations of C. socialis represent genetically distinct units and highlight the importance of conserving multiple populations to preserve species-wide genetic diversity. Genome-wide data provide critical guidance for management strategies aimed at maintaining evolutionary potential in this narrowly distributed species.