Genetic homogeneity of Canadian mainland marten populations underscores the distinctiveness of Newfoundland pine martens (Martes americana atrata)

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
C J Kyle ◽  
C Strobeck
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Martes Americana ◽  
Coniferous Forests ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Pine Martens ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Canadian Provinces

American pine martens (Martes americana) are mid-sized mustelids found in the boreal and taiga zones of North America that prefer late-successional coniferous forests. Studies have shown that tracts of treeless land and roads may impede marten dispersal and that fewer martens are captured or observed in clear-cut areas. If marten habitat is indeed fragmented by roads and treeless land, this may result in decreased gene flow between regions and therefore in increased levels of genetic structure and decreased genetic variation in regions where these potential barriers are present. In this study, we evaluate the genetic variation and connectivity of marten populations across Canada. Thirty-five regions from the Canadian provinces and territories were sampled, including 1262 individuals, genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci. As expected, and in agreement with previous studies, little genetic structure was observed in northern regions, where few barriers to marten dispersal are thought to exist. However, contrary to our expectations, no strong breaks in gene flow were observed between any of the 35 sampled regions with the exception of the insular Newfoundland population. The lack of genetic structure observed may suggest that, at a larger scale, marten dispersal is not as limited by some landscape features as was previously thought.

scholarly journals Landscape permeability and individual variation in a dispersal-linked gene jointly determine genetic structure in the Glanville fritillary butterfly

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle F. DiLeo ◽  
Arild Husby ◽  
Marjo Saastamoinen
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Landscape Fragmentation ◽  
Landscape Matrix ◽  
Fragmented Landscapes ◽  
Dispersal Traits ◽  
Glanville Fritillary Butterfly ◽  
Large Decline

AbstractThere is now clear evidence that species across a broad range of taxa harbour extensive heritable variation in dispersal. While studies suggest that this variation can facilitate demographic outcomes such as range expansion and invasions, few have considered the consequences of intraspecific variation in dispersal for the maintenance and distribution of genetic variation across fragmented landscapes. Here we examine how landscape characteristics and individual variation in dispersal combine to predict genetic structure using genomic and spatial data from the Glanville fritillary butterfly. We used linear and latent factor mixed models to identify the landscape features that best predict spatial sorting of alleles in the dispersal-related gene phosphoglucose isomerase (Pgi). We next used structural equation modeling to test if variation in Pgi mediated gene flow as measured by Fst at putatively neutral loci. In a year when the population was expanding following a large decline, individuals with a genotype associated with greater dispersal ability were found at significantly higher frequencies in populations isolated by water and forest, and these populations showed lower levels of genetic differentiation at neutral loci. These relationships disappeared in the next year when metapopulation density was high, suggesting that the effects of individual variation are context dependent. Together our results highlight that 1) more complex aspects of landscape structure beyond just the configuration of habitat can be important for maintaining spatial variation in dispersal traits, and 2) that individual variation in dispersal plays a key role in maintaining genetic variation across fragmented landscapes.Impact summaryUnderstanding how fragmentation affects dispersal and gene flow across human-modified landscapes has long been a goal in evolutionary biology. It is typically assumed that individuals of the same species respond to the landscape in the same way, however growing evidence suggests that individuals can vary considerably in their dispersal traits. While the effects of this individual dispersal variation on range expansions and invasions have been well-characterized, knowledge of how it might mediate genetic responses to landscape fragmentation are almost entirely lacking. Here we demonstrate that individual variation in dispersal is key to the maintenance of genetic variation during a population expansion following a large decline in a butterfly metapopulation. We further show that spatial variation in dispersal is not maintained by the configuration of habitat patches alone, but by a more complex genotype-environment interaction involving the landscape matrix (i.e. landscape features found between habitat patches). This challenges the simplified landscape representations typically used in studies of dispersal evolution that ignore heterogeneity in the landscape matrix. More broadly, our results highlight the interplay of adaptive and neutral processes across fragmented landscapes, suggesting that an understanding of species vulnerability to landscape fragmentation requires consideration of both.

scholarly journals Targeted Sequencing Suggests Wild-Crop Gene Flow Is Central to Different Genetic Consequences of Two Independent Pumpkin Domestications

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R. Kates ◽  
Fernando López Anido ◽  
Guillermo Sánchez-de la Vega ◽  
Luis E. Eguiarte ◽  
Pamela S. Soltis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Morphological Diversity ◽  
Cucurbita Maxima ◽  
Wild Progenitor ◽  
Breeding Potential ◽  
Trait Improvement ◽  
Wild Progenitors

Studies of domestication genetics enrich our understanding of how domestication shapes genetic and morphological diversity. We characterized patterns of genetic variation in two independently domesticated pumpkins and their wild progenitors to assess and compare genetic consequences of domestication. To compare genetic diversity pre- and post-domestication and to identify genes targeted by selection during domestication, we analyzed ∼15,000 SNPs of 48 unrelated accessions, including wild, landrace, and improved lines for each of two pumpkin species, Cucurbita argyrosperma and Cucurbita maxima. Genetic diversity relative to its wild progenitor was reduced in only one domesticated subspecies, C. argyrosperma ssp. argyrosperma. The two species have different patterns of genetic structure across domestication status. Only 1.5% of the domestication features identified for both species were shared between species. These findings suggest that ancestral genetic diversity, wild-crop gene flow, and domestication practices shaped the genetic diversity of two similar Cucurbita crops in different ways, adding to our understanding of how genetic diversity changes during the processes of domestication and how trait improvement impacts the breeding potential of modern crops.

scholarly journals Geographic patterns of human allele frequency variation: a variant-centric perspective

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjun Biddanda ◽  
Daniel P. Rice ◽  
John Novembre
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Allele Frequency ◽  
Human Genetics ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Frequency Variation ◽  
Human Genetic Variation ◽  
Alternative Representation ◽  
Geographic Patterns

AbstractA key challenge in human genetics is to describe and understand the distribution of human genetic variation. Often genetic variation is described by showing relationships among populations or individuals, in each case drawing inferences over a large number of variants. Here, we present an alternative representation of human genetic variation that reveals the relative abundance of different allele frequency patterns across populations. This approach allows viewers to easily see several features of human genetic structure: (1) most variants are rare and geographically localized, (2) variants that are common in a single geographic region are more likely to be shared across the globe than to be private to that region, and (3) where two individuals differ, it is most often due to variants that are common globally, regardless of whether the individuals are from the same region or different regions. To guide interpretation of the results, we also apply the visualization to contrasting theoretical scenarios with varying levels of divergence and gene flow. Our variant-centric visualization clarifies the major geographic patterns of human variation and can be used to help correct potential misconceptions about the extent and nature of genetic differentiation among populations.

Mitochondrial DNA variation within and among populations of the mosquito Aedes albopictus

Genome ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Kambhampati ◽  
Karamjit S. Rai
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Range Expansion ◽  
Dna Variation ◽  
Restriction Fragment Polymorphism ◽  
Mtdna Polymorphism

A survey of restriction fragment polymorphism in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 17 populations of the mosquito Aedes albopictus was undertaken. The mtDNA size was estimated to be about 17.5 kbp. The level of polymorphism was low, with over 99% of the fragments being shared in common among the 17 populations. Three populations, Mauritius, Singapore, and Hong Kong, contained individuals with both the ancestral and novel mtDNA haplotypes. We conclude that the low level of mtDNA polymorphism in A. albopictus is a result of recent range expansion and that the mixture of haplotypes is a likely result of human-aided gene flow among populations.Key words: mitochondrial DNA, genetic variation, genetic structure, Aedes albopictus.

scholarly journals Absence of Population Genetic Structure Among Breeding Colonies of the Waved Albatross

The Condor ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 440-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn P. Huyvaert ◽  
Patricia G. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Population Genetic Structure ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
Galapagos Archipelago ◽  
Phoebastria Irrorata ◽  
Waved Albatrosses

Abstract We used four variable microsatellite loci to examine the distribution of genetic variation and degree of genetic structuring among three subcolonies of Waved Albatrosses (Phoebastria irrorata). The breeding population of this species is almost entirely limited to the island of Española in the Galápagos Archipelago. Such strong philopatry could lead to population genetic structure among subcolonies on the island. Pairwise values of the FST analog, θ, calculated from microsatellite genotypes, were all less than 0.012, indicating little genetic differentiation and the presence of gene flow throughout the population.

scholarly journals Limited geographic genetic structure detected in a widespread Palearctic corvid, Nucifraga caryocatactes

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly M Dohms ◽  
Theresa M Burg
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Population Genetic Structure ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Mitochondrial Dna Control Region ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Seed Crops ◽  
Wide Population

The Eurasian or spotted nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) is a widespread resident corvid found throughout the Palearctic from Central Europe to Japan. Characterized by periodic bouts of irruptive dispersal in search of Pinus seed crops, this species has potential for high levels of gene flow across its range. Previous analysis of 11 individuals did not find significant range-wide population genetic structure. We investigated population structure using 924 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA control region sequence data from 62 individuals from 12 populations distributed throughout the nutcracker’s range. We complemented this analysis by incorporating additional genetic data from previously published sequences. High levels of genetic diversity and limited population genetic structure were detected suggesting that potential barriers to dispersal do not restrict gene flow in nutcrackers.

scholarly journals Spatial Genetic Structure Within Two Contrasting Stands of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

2008 ◽  
Vol 57 (1-6) ◽  
pp. 193-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. J. Chybicki ◽  
A. Dzialuk ◽  
M. Trojankiewicz ◽  
M. Slawski ◽  
J. Burczyk
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Pinus Sylvestris ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Spatial Genetic Structure ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
Genetic Pool ◽  
Establishment History ◽  
Two Populations

AbstractWhen considering neutral nuclear markers, genetic differentiation of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations is known to be low. The homogeneity arises particularly as an effect of common ancestry in a recent evolutionary history as well as an extensive gene flow, especially through pollen. However, within populations several other forces may shape the spatial distribution of genetic variation, including establishment history, environmental and silvicultural selection. These local forces are known to produce non-random spatial patterns of genetic variation, however little is known on fine-scale spatial genetic structure of Scots pine. In this study, two stands of this species with different establishment histories, selected within one larger population located in northern Poland were genotyped and analysed for genetic variation and within-stand spatial genetic structure. Results revealed no differences in genetic variation, although stands are separated about 60 km, suggesting that the two populations share a common genetic pool. The spatial genetic structure in both stands was found to be slightly different and was attributed to differences in the mode of populations’ establishments. Finally, results confirmed that gene flow in Scots pine is extensive, causing genetic homogeneity within a single population.

Microsatellite analysis of North American pine marten (Martes americana) populations from the Yukon and Northwest Territories

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (7) ◽  
pp. 1150-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
C J Kyle ◽  
C S Davis ◽  
C Strobeck
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Northwest Territories ◽  
Population Genetic Structure ◽  
North American ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
Martes Americana ◽  
Genetic Connectivity ◽  
Pine Marten

Elucidating the population genetic structure of a species gives us insight into the levels of gene flow between geographic regions. Such data may have important implications for those trying to manage a heavily harvested wildlife species by determining the genetic connectivity of adjacent populations. In this study, the population structure of 12 North American pine marten (Martes americana) populations from the Yukon through to the central Northwest Territories was investigated using 11 microsatellite loci. Genetic variation within populations across the entire geographic range was relatively homogeneous as measured by: mean number of alleles (5.89 ± 0.45) and the average unbiased expected heterozygosity (He) (65.6 ± 1.7%). The overall unbiased probability of identity showed more variance between populations (1/10.25 ± 7.84 billion) than did the mean number of alleles and the He estimates. Although some population structure was found among the populations, most regions were not strongly differentiated from one another. The low level of structure among the populations can, in part, be attributed to isolation by distance rather than to population fragmentation, as would be expected in more southerly regions in which suitable habitat is more disjunct. Furthermore, the low levels of population genetic structure were likely due to high levels of gene flow between regions and to large effective marten populations in the northern part of their distribution.

scholarly journals Genetic signatures of divergent selection in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) are associated with the variation in temperature and precipitation across its distribution range

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragos Postolache ◽  
Sylvie ODDOU-MURATORIO ◽  
Elia Vajana ◽  
Francesca Bagnoli ◽  
Erwann Guichoux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Fagus Sylvatica ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Divergent Selection ◽  
Forest Trees ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Regimes ◽  
Fagus Sylvatica L

High genetic variation and extensive gene flow may help forest trees with adapting to ongoing climate change, yet the genetic bases underlying their adaptive potential remain largely unknown. We investigated range-wide patterns of potentially adaptive genetic variation in 64 populations of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) using 270 SNPs from 139 candidate genes involved either in phenology or in stress responses. We inferred neutral genetic structure and processes (drift and gene flow) and performed differentiation outlier analyses and gene-environment association (GEA) analyses to detect signatures of divergent selection. Beech range-wide genetic structure was consistent with the species previously identified postglacial expansion scenario and recolonization routes. Populations showed high diversity and low differentiation along the major expansion routes. A total of 52 loci were found to be putatively under selection and 15 of them turned up in multiple GEA analyses. Temperature and precipitation related variables were equally represented in significant genotype-climate associations. Signatures of divergent selection were detected in the same proportion for stress response and phenology-related genes. The range-wide adaptive genetic structure of beech appears highly integrated, suggesting a balanced contribution of phenology and stress-related genes to local adaptation, and of temperature and precipitation regimes to genetic clines. Our results imply a best-case scenario for the maintenance of high genetic diversity during range shifts in beech (and putatively other forest trees) with a combination of gene flow maintaining within-population neutral diversity and selection maintaining between-population adaptive differentiation.

scholarly journals Population genetic structure and connectivity patterns of the kanae (Mugil cephalus) in New Zealand inland and coastal waters

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Angel Jimenez Brito
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Population Genetic Structure ◽  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
Mugil Cephalus ◽  
Connectivity Patterns

<p>Mugil cephalus is a cosmopolitan fish species found in most coastal waters from tropical to temperate zones. It is a species common in the near-shore marine environment, and known to reside in estuarine and freshwater systems. Adult M. cephalus move out to sea to spawn in aggregations. Their larvae can drift on surface ocean currents for over a month before recruitment to nursery grounds. Mugil cephalus is a species that is closely associated with the coastal environment, but it is capable of interoceanic migrations. Population genetic studies have reported high levels of genetic differentiation among populations in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and western Pacific. However, there is no evidence to suggest reproductive incompatibility has arisen among populations. In New Zealand M. cephalus supports important recreational, commercial and customary fisheries, but very little is known about the distribution and connectivity among populations.  The aim of this study was to use nuclear microsatellite DNA (msatDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers to describe the population genetic structure, connectivity patterns and to determine the phylogeographic history of New Zealand M. cephalus populations. Total of 850 samples were collected (576 adults and 274 juveniles) during the summers of 2010 and 2014-2015 from 15 locations around coastal and inland waters of the North Island, and one location in Marlborough Sounds. In addition, 245 mtDNA sequences were added from previously published studies and used to outgroup the New Zealand population and place it into the context of the other Pacific populations.  Seven msatDNA loci were isolated and used to determine the population genetic structure and connectivity patterns of M. cephalus in New Zealand. Admixture of four genetically distinct groups or populations was identified and a chaotic spatial distribution of allele frequencies. Within each population there was significant gene flow among locations, no pattern of genetic isolation-by-distance was identified and there was a high proportion of non-migrant individuals. There was evidence of bottlenecks and seasonal reproductive variation of adults, which could explain the significant shifts in the effective population size among locations.  To test whether the pattern of genetic variation in M. cephalus populations was the result of seasonal variability in the reproductive success of adults, DNA from adult and juvenile samples were used to test for differences in the levels of genetic variation between generations (cohorts). Juveniles were grouped by age classes and compared to the adults. The levels of genetic diversity within the groups of juveniles were compared to the adult population and significant genetic bottlenecks between juveniles and adults were detected. This pattern was consistent with the Sweepstake-Reproductive-Success hypothesis. Two spawning groups in the adults were identified, an early spawning group and a late spawning group.  The analysis of DNA sequence data from the mtDNA Cytochrome Oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene and D-loop region showed two sympatric haplogroups of M. cephalus. New Zealand was most likely colonised by M. cephalus migrants from different population sources from the Pacific first ~50,000 and a second wave of migrants from Australia between ~20, 000 and ~16,000 years ago. High levels of gene flow were detected, but there has not been enough time for genetic drift to completely sort the lineages.  The findings of this thesis research will help with the understanding of aspects of M. cephalus dispersal and the genetic structure of populations. The patterns of connectivity can be used to better align the natural boundaries of wild populations to the fishery management stock structure. Understanding the reproductive units, levels of genetic diversity and the patterns of reproduction of M. cephalus will assist management efforts to focus on the key habitats threats, risks and the long-term sustainability of the species.</p>

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