XVI International Botanical Congess
Molecular markers can provide an initial assessment of how genetic diversity is apportioned within and among populations of rare species. This information may be used as a general guideline for the conservation of populations and for more detatiled studies of the species. Allozymes and PCR-based markers have been used to examine variation in insular endemics, with the latter more variable and in some instances more useful than the former. Results to date indicate greater differentiation among populations in endemic species than is found for other plants with life history traits. Molecular data may reveal clades worthy of particular attention for conservation.