Figure 3
Conceptual illustration of scenarios proposed for explaining the spatio-temporal genetic structure. (a) Representation of the scenario described in Hossaert-McKey et al. (1996). (b) Representation of the scenario proposed in the discussion, which fits better with our results. The dual composition of the meadows (or sampling quadrats) contains cores of persistent genets (blue and green circles) and clouds of transient genets (orange and pale blue layouts, for 2009 and 2012 respectively). The divergence between cores is probably because of difference of genets having colonized both quadrats at the last event of drastic extinction, generating spatial structure. Annual migration and settlement provide pools of transient genets, of short lifespan, generating the temporal structure. In the scenario a, the flow of new genets is weak (weak temporal structure), and colonization of gaps is probably due to clonal elongation and mating among relatives (strong spatial structure). In the scenario b, annual input of transient genets is strong, maximizing the temporal structure.
