scholarly journals Multi-generational persistence of traditions in neighbouring meerkat groups

2010 ◽  
Vol 277 (1700) ◽  
pp. 3623-3629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Thornton ◽  
Jamie Samson ◽  
Tim Clutton-Brock
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Compelling Evidence ◽  
Suricata Suricatta ◽  
Environmental Causes

Reports of socially transmitted traditions based on behavioural differences between geographically separated groups of conspecifics are contentious because they cannot exclude genetic or environmental causes. Here, we report persistent differences between neighbouring groups of meerkats ( Suricata suricatta ) where extensive gene flow precludes genetic differentiation. Over 11 years, some groups consistently emerged later from their sleeping burrows in the morning than others, despite complete turnovers in group membership and the influx of immigrants. Group territories overlapped and, in many cases, the same sleeping burrows were used by different groups. Differences persisted even after accounting for effects of group size, weather and burrow characteristics, and were unrelated to food availability within territories. These results provide compelling evidence that the emergence times of meerkat groups represent conservative traditions.

scholarly journals Group size and social status affect scent marking in dispersing female meerkats

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1602-1610
Author(s):  
Ana Morales-González ◽  
Héctor Ruíz-Villar ◽  
Arpat Ozgul ◽  
Nino Maag ◽  
Gabriele Cozzi
Keyword(s):  
Social Status ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Group Communication ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Foraging Success ◽  
Scent Marks ◽  
Suricata Suricatta ◽  
The Social

Abstract Many animal species use scent marks such as feces, urine, and glandular secretions to find mates, advertise their reproductive status, and defend an exclusive territory. Scent marking may be particularly important during dispersal, when individuals emigrate from their natal territory searching for mates and a new territory to settle and reproduce. In this study, we investigated the scent-marking behavior of 30 dispersing female meerkats (Suricata suricatta) during the three consecutive stages of dispersal—emigration, transience, and settlement. We expected marking patterns to differ between dispersal stages, depending on social circumstances such as presence of unrelated mates and social status of the individuals within each dispersing coalition and also to be influenced by water and food availability. We showed that defecation probability increased with group size during the settlement stage, when newly formed groups are expected to signal their presence to other resident groups. Urination probability was higher in subordinate than in dominant individuals during each of the three dispersal stages and it decreased overall as the dispersal process progressed. Urine may, thus, be linked to advertisement of the social status within a coalition. Anal marking probability did not change across dispersal stages but increased with the presence of unrelated males and was higher in dominants than in subordinates. We did not detect any effect of rain or foraging success on defecation and urination probability. Our results suggest that feces, urine, and anal markings serve different communication purposes (e.g., within and between-group communication) during the dispersal process.

Shallow genetic divergence and distinct phenotypic differences between two Andean hummingbirds: Speciation with gene flow?

The Auk ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 136 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalina Palacios ◽  
Silvana García-R ◽  
Juan Luis Parra ◽  
Andrés M Cuervo ◽  
F Gary Stiles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Incomplete Lineage Sorting ◽  
Lineage Sorting ◽  
Phenotypic Differences ◽  
Adaptive Mechanisms ◽  
The Face ◽  
Gloger’S Rule ◽  
Divergence With Gene Flow ◽  
Neutral Markers

Abstract Ecological speciation can proceed despite genetic interchange when selection counteracts the homogenizing effects of migration. We tested predictions of this divergence-with-gene-flow model in Coeligena helianthea and C. bonapartei, 2 parapatric Andean hummingbirds with marked plumage divergence. We sequenced putatively neutral markers (mitochondrial DNA [mtDNA] and nuclear ultraconserved elements [UCEs]) to examine genetic structure and gene flow, and a candidate gene (MC1R) to assess its role underlying divergence in coloration. We also tested the prediction of Gloger’s rule that darker forms occur in more humid environments, and examined morphological variation to assess adaptive mechanisms potentially promoting divergence. Genetic differentiation between species was low in both ND2 and UCEs. Coalescent estimates of migration were consistent with divergence with gene flow, but we cannot reject incomplete lineage sorting reflecting recent speciation as an explanation for patterns of genetic variation. MC1R variation was unrelated to phenotypic differences. Species did not differ in macroclimatic niches but were distinct in morphology. Although we reject adaptation to variation in macroclimatic conditions as a cause of divergence, speciation may have occurred in the face of gene flow driven by other ecological pressures or by sexual selection. Marked phenotypic divergence with no neutral genetic differentiation is remarkable for Neotropical birds, and makes C. helianthea and C. bonapartei an appropriate system in which to search for the genetic basis of species differences employing genomics.

The Use of Protein Electrophoresis for Determining Species Boundaries in Amphipods

Crustaceana ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara A. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Protein Electrophoresis ◽  
Species Boundaries ◽  
Allopatric Populations ◽  
A Value ◽  
Electrophoretic Data

AbstractThe use of protein electrophoretic data for determining species boundaries in amphipods is addressed. Analysis of published literature on genetic differentiation in amphipods showed that pairs of allopatric populations which have genetic identities (I) above a value of 0.85 probably represent intraspecific populations, whereas pairs of populations which have genetic identities below about 0.45 probably represent different species. It was recommended that if I values fall between 0.45 and 0.85, additional factors such as evidence of a lack of gene flow between the populations, and concordant morphological variation should be considered.

Genetic differentiation and gene flow among six sheep breeds of Mongolian group in China

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Geng ◽  
Zhangping Yang ◽  
Hong Chang ◽  
Yongjiang Mao ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Sheep Breeds

scholarly journals Dispersal and Differentiation of Deep-Sea Mussels of the GenusBathymodiolus(Mytilidae, Bathymodiolinae)

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akiko Kyuno ◽  
Mifue Shintaku ◽  
Yuko Fujita ◽  
Hiroto Matsumoto ◽  
Motoo Utsumi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Deep Sea ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Evolutionary Transition ◽  
Significant Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Evolutionary Processes ◽  
High Dispersal ◽  
High Gene

We sequenced the mitochondrial ND4 gene to elucidate the evolutionary processes ofBathymodiolusmussels and mytilid relatives. Mussels of the subfamily Bathymodiolinae from vents and seeps belonged to 3 groups and mytilid relatives from sunken wood and whale carcasses assumed the outgroup positions to bathymodioline mussels. Shallow water mytilid mussels were positioned more distantly relative to the vent/seep mussels, indicating an evolutionary transition from shallow to deep sea via sunken wood and whale carcasses.Bathymodiolus platifronsis distributed in the seeps and vents, which are approximately 1500 km away. There was no significant genetic differentiation between the populations. There existed high gene flow betweenB. septemdierumandB. breviorand low but not negligible gene flow betweenB. marisindicusandB. septemdierumorB. brevior, although their habitats are 5000–10 000 km away. These indicate a high adaptability to the abyssal environments and a high dispersal ability ofBathymodiolusmussels.

scholarly journals Evolutionary history and genetic connectivity across highly fragmented populations of an endangered daisy

Heredity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael S. Rodger ◽  
Alexandra Pavlova ◽  
Steve Sinclair ◽  
Melinda Pickup ◽  
Paul Sunnucks
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Genetic Connectivity ◽  
Evolutionary Divergence ◽  
Common Component ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Eastern Australia

AbstractConservation management can be aided by knowledge of genetic diversity and evolutionary history, so that ecological and evolutionary processes can be preserved. The Button Wrinklewort daisy (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides) was a common component of grassy ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. It is now endangered due to extensive habitat loss and the impacts of livestock grazing, and is currently restricted to a few small populations in two regions >500 km apart, one in Victoria, the other in the Australian Capital Territory and nearby New South Wales (ACT/NSW). Using a genome-wide SNP dataset, we assessed patterns of genetic structure and genetic differentiation of 12 natural diploid populations. We estimated intrapopulation genetic diversity to scope sources for genetic management. Bayesian clustering and principal coordinate analyses showed strong population genetic differentiation between the two regions, and substantial substructure within ACT/NSW. A coalescent tree-building approach implemented in SNAPP indicated evolutionary divergence between the two distant regions. Among the populations screened, the last two known remaining Victorian populations had the highest genetic diversity, despite having among the lowest recent census sizes. A maximum likelihood population tree method implemented in TreeMix suggested little or no recent gene flow except potentially between very close neighbours. Populations that were more genetically distinctive had lower genetic diversity, suggesting that drift in isolation is likely driving population differentiation though loss of diversity, hence re-establishing gene flow among them is desirable. These results provide background knowledge for evidence-based conservation and support genetic rescue within and between regions to elevate genetic diversity and alleviate inbreeding.

scholarly journals Geography is more important than life history in the recent diversification of the tiger salamander complex

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (17) ◽  
pp. e2014719118
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Everson ◽  
Levi N. Gray ◽  
Angela G. Jones ◽  
Nicolette M. Lawrence ◽  
Mary E. Foley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
Tiger Salamander ◽  
Life History Variation ◽  
Mexican Axolotl ◽  
Population Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Lineage Divergence

The North American tiger salamander species complex, including its best-known species, the Mexican axolotl, has long been a source of biological fascination. The complex exhibits a wide range of variation in developmental life history strategies, including populations and individuals that undergo metamorphosis; those able to forego metamorphosis and retain a larval, aquatic lifestyle (i.e., paedomorphosis); and those that do both. The evolution of a paedomorphic life history state is thought to lead to increased population genetic differentiation and ultimately reproductive isolation and speciation, but the degree to which it has shaped population- and species-level divergence is poorly understood. Using a large multilocus dataset from hundreds of samples across North America, we identified genetic clusters across the geographic range of the tiger salamander complex. These clusters often contain a mixture of paedomorphic and metamorphic taxa, indicating that geographic isolation has played a larger role in lineage divergence than paedomorphosis in this system. This conclusion is bolstered by geography-informed analyses indicating no effect of life history strategy on population genetic differentiation and by model-based population genetic analyses demonstrating gene flow between adjacent metamorphic and paedomorphic populations. This fine-scale genetic perspective on life history variation establishes a framework for understanding how plasticity, local adaptation, and gene flow contribute to lineage divergence. Many members of the tiger salamander complex are endangered, and the Mexican axolotl is an important model system in regenerative and biomedical research. Our results chart a course for more informed use of these taxa in experimental, ecological, and conservation research.

scholarly journals Population Genetics of the Red Rock Lobster,  Jasus edwardsii

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Luke Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Microsatellite Markers ◽  
Rocky Reef ◽  
Rock Lobster ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Jasus Edwardsii ◽  
Polymorphic Microsatellite

<p>Understanding patterns of gene flow across a species range is a vital component of an effective fisheries management strategy. The advent of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers has facilitated the detection of fine-scale patterns of genetic differentiation at levels below the resolving power of earlier techniques. This has triggered the wide-spread re-examination of population structure for a number of commercially targeted species. The aims of thesis were to re-investigate patterns of gene flow of the red rock lobster Jasus edwardsii throughout New Zealand and across the Tasman Sea using novel microsatellite markers. Jasus edwardsii is a keystone species of subtidal rocky reef system and supports lucrative export markets in both Australia and New Zealand. Eight highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from 454 sequence data and screened across a Wellington south coast population to obtain basic diversity indices. All loci were polymorphic with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 6-39. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.563-0.937 and 0.583-0.961, respectively. There were no significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium following standard Bonferroni corrections. The loci were used in a population analysis of J. edwardsii that spanned 10 degrees of latitude and stretched 3,500 km across the South Pacific. The analysis rejected the null-hypothesis of panmixia based on earlier mDNA analysis and revealed significant population structure (FST=0.011, RST=0.028) at a wide range of scales. Stewart Island was determined to have the highest levels of genetic differentiation of all populations sampled suggesting a high degree of reproductive isolation and self-recruitment. This study also identified high levels of asymmetric gene flow from Australia to New Zealand indicating a historical source-sink relationship between the two countries. Results from the genetic analysis were consistent with results from oceanographic dispersal models and it is likely that the genetic results reflect historical and contemporary patterns of Jasus edwardsii dispersal and recruitment throughout its range.</p>

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