scholarly journals Genetic structure and historical and contemporary gene flow of Astyanaxmexicanus in the Gulf of Mexico slope: a microsatellite-based analysis

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10784
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Pérez-Rodríguez ◽  
Sarai Esquivel-Bobadilla ◽  
Adonaji Madeleine Orozco-Ruíz ◽  
José Luis Olivas-Hernández ◽  
Francisco Javier García-De León
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Population Analysis ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Genetic Population ◽  
Contemporary Gene Flow ◽  
Taxonomic Uncertainty

Background Astyanax mexicanus from the river basins of the Gulf of Mexico slope are small freshwater fish that usually live in large groups in different freshwater environments. The group is considered successful due to its high capacity for dispersal and adaptation to different habitats, and the species present high morphological variability throughout their distribution in Mexico. This has produced the most extreme morphotype of the group; the hypogeous or troglobite, which has no eyes or coloration, and is probably the cause of taxonomic uncertainty in the recognition of species across the entire range. Most studies of A. mexicanus have mainly focused on cave individuals, as well as their adjacent surface locations, providing an incomplete evolutionary history, particularly in terms of factors related to dispersal and the potential corridors used, barriers to gene flow, and distribution of genetic variability. The aim of the present study is to determine the population structure and the degree and direction of genetic flow in this complex taxonomic group, incorporating geographic locations not previously included in analyses using microsatellite loci. Our aim is to contribute to the knowledge of the intricate evolutionary history of A. mexicanus throughout most of its range. Methods The present study included a set of several cave and surface locations of A. mexicanus, which have been widely sampled along the Gulf of Mexico slope, in a genetic population analysis using 10 microsatellite loci. Results Ten genetic populations or lineages were identified. In these populations, gene flow was recorded at two time periods. Historical gene flow, both inter and intra-basin, was observed among surface populations, from surface to cave populations, and among cave populations, whereas recording of contemporary gene flow was limited to intra-basin exchanges and observed among surface populations, surface to cave populations, and cave populations.

Genetic population structure of the fairy shrimp Branchinecta coloradensis (Anostraca) in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (11) ◽  
pp. 2049-2057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J Bohonak
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Rocky Mountains ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Local Scale ◽  
Genetic Population Structure ◽  
Fairy Shrimp ◽  
Genetic Population ◽  
Contemporary Gene Flow ◽  
Branchinecta Coloradensis

Dispersal rates for freshwater invertebrates are often inferred from population genetic data. Although genetic approaches can indicate the amount of isolation in natural populations, departures from an equilibrium between drift and gene flow often lead to biased gene flow estimates. I investigated the genetic population structure of the pond-dwelling fairy shrimp Branchinecta coloradensis in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, U.S.A., using allozymes. Glaciation in this area and the availability of direct dispersal estimates from previous work permit inferences regarding the relative impacts of history and contemporary gene flow on population structure. Hierarchical F statistics were used to quantify differentiation within and between valleys (thetaSV and thetaVT, respectively). Between valleys separated by 5-10 km, a high degree of differentiation (thetaVT = 0.77) corresponds to biologically reasonable gene flow estimates of 0.07 individuals per generation, although it is possible that this value represents founder effects and nonequilibrium conditions. On a local scale (<=110 m), populations are genetically similar (thetaSV = 0.13) and gene flow is estimated to be 1.7 individuals exchanged between ponds each generation. This is very close to an ecological estimate of dispersal for B. coloradensis via salamanders. Gene flow estimates from previous studies on other Anostraca are also similar on comparable geographic scales. Thus, population structure in B. coloradensis appears to be at or near equilibrium on a local scale, and possibly on a regional scale as well.

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 Genetic structure and diversity of the mustard hill coral Porites astreoides along the Florida Keys reef tract

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique N. Gallery ◽  
Michelle L. Green ◽  
Ilsa B. Kuffner ◽  
Elizabeth A. Lenz ◽  
Lauren T. Toth
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Florida Keys ◽  
Genetic Population ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Porites Astreoides ◽  
Single Well ◽  
Reef Tract

AbstractIncreases in local and global stressors have led to major declines in coral populations throughout the western Atlantic. While abundances of other species have declined, however, the relative abundance of the mustard hill coral, Porites astreoides, has increased. Porites astreoides is relatively resilient to some stressors, and because of its mixed reproductive strategies, its populations often recover quickly following disturbances. The ability for P. astreoides to continue as a potential “winner” in western Atlantic reefs relies on maintaining sufficient genetic variation within populations to support acclimatization and adaptation to current and future environmental change. Without high genetic diversity and gene flow within the population, it would have limited capacity for adaptation and the species’ competitive advantages could be short-lived. In this study, we determined the genetic relatedness of 37 P. astreoides colonies at four shallow reefs along the offshore Florida Keys Reef Tract (FKRT), a region particularly hard-hit by recent disturbances. Using previously designed microsatellite markers, we determined the genetic diversity and connectivity of individuals among and between sites. Our results suggest that the FKRT likely contains a single, well-mixed genetic population of P. astreoides, with high levels of gene flow and evidence for larval migration throughout the region. This suggests that regional populations of P. astreoides likely have a higher chance of maintaining resilience than many other western Atlantic species as they face current and future disturbances.

scholarly journals Fine-scale landscape genetics unveiling contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Kangchenjunga landscape, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriyo Dalui ◽  
Hiren Khatri ◽  
Sujeet Kumar Singh ◽  
Shambadeb Basu ◽  
Avijit Ghosh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Clustering Algorithms ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Contemporary Gene Flow ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Population Structuring ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens

Abstract Wildlife management in rapid changing landscapes requires critical planning through cross cutting networks, and understanding of landscape features, often affected by the anthropogenic activities. The present study demonstrates fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and contemporary gene flow of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) populations with respect to landscape connectivity in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL), India. The study found about 1,309.54 km2 area suitable for red panda in KL—India, of which 62.21% area fell under the Protected Area network. We identified 24 unique individuals from 234 feces collected at nine microsatellite loci. The spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms evident to exhibit population structuring and supported red panda populations to exist in meta-population frame work. In concurrence to the habitat suitability and landscape connectivity models, gene flow results supported a contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda by connecting KL—India in a crescent arc. We demonstrate the structural-operational connectivity of corridors in KL—India that facilitated red panda movement in the past. We also seek for cooperation in Nepal, Bhutan and China to aid in preparing for a comprehensive monitoring plan for the long-term conservation and management of red panda in trans-boundary landscapes.

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