9311268 Campbell Genetic variation of Isotria medeoloides a rare and endangered species of North American orchid, is unknown. The investigators propose to use Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), which permits minimally destructive sampling of the plants, to explore the population structure of this species. To test a possible link between rarity and genetic variability, they will contrast percent variable (polymorphic) loci between six populations of this rare orchid with that of six populations of the only other species in the genus. To see whether population size affects genetic variation, three large and three small populations for both species will be compared. %%% Knowledge of the population genetics of this species would better enable managers of this Federally Endangered orchid to meet longterm recovery goals, ascertain relative importance of the populations, define a minimum viable population size, and measure changes in total diversity over time.
