RAPD variation in relation to population differentiation of Chamaecyparis formosensis and Chamaecyparis taiwanensis

The population differentiation of Chamaecyparis formosensis and Chamaecyparis taiwanensis based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) variation is described. Two populations (Chilanshan and Alishan) of these two Chamaecyparis species are investigated for population differentiation. Shannon's phenotypic index was used to estimate Ho of these two Chamaecyparis species based on RAPD variation. RAPD analysis showed that the Chilanshan population had higher genetic diversity than the Alishan population in both Chamaecyparis species. These results correlated with the large population found in Chilanshan for both species. Based on RAPD analysis, there was 15.13% population differentiation between Chilanshan and Alishan of C. formosensis compared with 14.73% for C. taiwanensis. Higher levels of genetic variation and population differentiation indicated dynamic evolution in these two Chamaecyparis species in Taiwan as revealed by variation at RAPD loci.