Taking stock: defining populations of American shad (Alosa sapidissima) in Canada using neutral genetic markers

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 1021-1039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Hasselman ◽  
Rod G. Bradford ◽  
Paul Bentzen

Knowledge of the scale of population structure is a prerequisite for designating conservation units. American shad ( Alosa sapidissima ) are of increasing conservation concern, but the scale of population structure within the Canadian portion of the species range is unknown. Using 13 microsatellite loci, we examined the partitioning of genetic variation within four and among 12 Canadian drainages. We detected significant (p < 0.05) and temporally stable genetic differentiation among all drainages, supporting the hypothesis that rivers support genetically distinct populations. However, Bayesian methods identified seven clusters and provided evidence for shad metapopulation structure. We observed a significant (p < 0.01) pattern of isolation by distance (IBD) among all drainages. A strong linear IBD (r = 0.98) was observed among rivers that were outside the Bay of Fundy (BoF). A hypothesized counterclockwise migration route explained a greater proportion of genetic variation (r = 0.87) among BoF rivers than direct route based distances (r = 0.14). Although IBD patterns did not differ regionally (analysis of covariance; p > 0.05), the degree of differentiation among BoF rivers was greater than that among non-BoF rivers, regardless of the geographic scale of comparison. Our results suggest that fisheries managers need to be concerned with the loss of shad genetic diversity on both river and regional scales.

1989 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1446-1454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Bentzen ◽  
Gregory C. Brown ◽  
William C. Leggett

Restriction endonuclease analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation was used to assess genetic differentiation and population structure in American shad (Alosa sapidissima) sampled from 14 rivers spanning the native range of the species (Florida to Quebec). Estimated mtDNA sequence divergences among 52 shad surveyed with 16 endonucleases were relatively low (mean 0.2%). The low level of mtDNA variation in shad may be a consequence of population bottlenecks that occurred during Pleistocene glacial maxima. A survey of 243 shad with four enzymes revealed several genotypes that were distributed across the range of the species. Three genotypes, a length variant and two single-enzyme genotypes, exhibited nonrandom, geographically clumped distributions. The distributions of shad mtDNA genotypes may have been influenced primarily by founder effects in the northern (glaciated) part of the range, and gene flow in the southern part of the range. The mtDNA data suggest that differences in the reproductive traits of northern and southern populations of shad, if genetically mediated, are likely to have evolved since the Pleistocene. The results of this study support theoretical predictions that mtDNA analysis is a highly sensitive means of examining population structures.


1982 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Relethford

SummaryThe estimation of genetic similarity from correspondence of surnames (isonymy) allows investigation of historical population structure. This study uses surname data from seven isolates located along the west coast of Ireland during the 1890s to assess geographic and historic influences on population structure. Observed genetic variation among populations shows a close fit with the expected isolation by distance model, with estimated parameters of isolation and migration being similar to those obtained in other studies of isolated populations. Local genetic variation appears to be due primarily to the size of the local breeding population, with deviations being explained in terms of recent emigration.


2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (12) ◽  
pp. 901-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benoit Talbot ◽  
Maarten J. Vonhof ◽  
Hugh G. Broders ◽  
M. Brock Fenton ◽  
Nusha Keyghobadi

Subdivided populations can be described by different models of population structure that reflect population organization, dynamics, and connectivity. We used genetic data to investigate population structure in two geographically sympatric, congeneric species of generalist ectoparasites of warm-blooded animals. We characterized the spatial genetic structure of the eastern bat bug (Cimex adjunctus Barber, 1939), an understudied and fairly abundant species, using microsatellite markers at a spatial scale representing contemporary dispersal of the species. We found seven genetic clusters, global [Formula: see text] of 0.2, 33% of genetic variation among sites, and nonsignificant isolation-by-distance. We compared these results with the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L., 1758), a closely related but conversely well-known species, in the same geographic area. We found stronger genetic structuring in C. lectularius than in C. adjunctus, with 11 genetic clusters, [Formula: see text] of 0.7, 57% of genetic variation among sites, and significant but weak isolation-by-distance (R2 = 0.09). These results suggest that while both species can be described as having classic metapopulation structure, C. adjunctus leans more towards a patchy population and C. lectularius leans more towards a nonequilibrium metapopulation. The difference in population structure between these species may be attributable to differences in movement potential and extinction–colonization dynamics.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 171532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquin C. B. Nunez ◽  
Leann M. Biancani ◽  
Patrick A. Flight ◽  
Diane E. Nacci ◽  
David M. Rand ◽  
...  

Populations of the non-migratory estuarine fish Fundulus heteroclitus inhabiting the heavily polluted New Bedford Harbour (NBH) estuary have shown inherited tolerance to local pollutants introduced to their habitats in the past 100 years. Here we examine two questions: (i) Is there pollution-driven selection on the mitochondrial genome across a fine geographical scale? and (ii) What is the pattern of migration among sites spanning a strong pollution gradient? Whole mitochondrial genomes were analysed for 133 F. heteroclitus from seven nearby collection sites: four sites along the NBH pollution cline (approx. 5 km distance), which had pollution-adapted fish, as well as one site adjacent to the pollution cline and two relatively unpolluted sites about 30 km away, which had pollution-sensitive fish. Additionally, we used microsatellite analyses to quantify genetic variation over three F. heteroclitus generations in both pollution-adapted and sensitive individuals collected from two sites at two different time points (1999/2000 and 2007/2008). Our results show no evidence for a selective sweep of mtDNA in the polluted sites. Moreover, mtDNA analyses revealed that both pollution-adapted and sensitive populations harbour similar levels of genetic diversity. We observed a high level of non-synonymous mutations in the most polluted site. This is probably associated with a reduction in N e and concomitant weakening of purifying selection, a demographic expansion following a pollution-related bottleneck or increased mutation rates. Our demographic analyses suggest that isolation by distance influences the distribution of mtDNA genetic variation between the pollution cline and the clean populations at broad spatial scales. At finer scales, population structure is patchy, and neither spatial distance, pollution concentration or pollution tolerance is a good predictor of mtDNA variation. Lastly, microsatellite analyses revealed stable population structure over the last decade.


2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 1477-1493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Les N. Harris ◽  
Robert Bajno ◽  
Colin P. Gallagher ◽  
Itsuro Koizumi ◽  
Lucy K. Johnson ◽  
...  

The northern Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma) displays variable life-history types and occupies freshwater habitats with varying levels of connectivity. Here, we assayed microsatellite DNA variation in northern Dolly Varden from the western Canadian Arctic to resolve landscape and life-history variables driving variation in genetic diversity and population structure. Overall, genetic variation was highest in anadromous populations and lowest in those isolated above waterfalls, with stream-resident forms intermediate between the two. Anadromous and isolated populations were genetically divergent from each other, while no genetic differentiation was detectable between sympatric anadromous and stream-resident forms. Population structure was stable over 25 years, hierarchically organized, and conformed to an isolation-by-distance pattern, but stream-isolated forms often deviated from these patterns. Gene flow occurred primarily among Yukon North Slope populations and between sympatric anadromous and resident forms. These results were sex-dependent to some extent, but were influenced more by reproductive status and life history. Our study provides novel insights into the life history, population demographic, and habitat variables that shape the distribution of genetic variation and population structure in Arctic fluvial habitats while providing a spatial context for management and conservation.


2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Ouinsavi ◽  
Nestor Sokpon ◽  
Damase P. Khasa

To accurately estimate the genetic diversity and population structure for improved conservation planning ofMilicia excelsatree, 212 individuals from twelve population samples covering the species' range in Benin were surveyed at seven specific microsatellite DNA loci. All loci were variable, with the mean number of alleles per locus ranging from 5.86 to 7.69. Considerable genetic variability was detected for all populations at the seven loci (AR=4.60;HE=0.811). Moderate but statistically significant genetic differentiation was found among populations considering bothFST(0.112) andRST(0.342). All of the populations showed heterozygosity deficits in test of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and significantly positiveFISvalues due to inbreeding occurring in the species. PairwiseFSTvalues were positively and significantly correlated with geographical distances (r=0.432;P=.007, Mantel's test) indicating that populations are differentiated by “isolation by distance.” Bayesian analysis of population structure showed division of the genetic variation into four clusters revealing the existence of heterogeneity in population genetic structure. Altogether, these results indicate that genetic variation inMilicia excelsais geographically structured. Information gained from this study also emphasized the need for in situ conservation of the relict populations and establishment of gene flow corridors through agroforestry systems for interconnecting these remnant populations.


Author(s):  
Matthew R. Jones ◽  
Daniel E. Winkler ◽  
Rob Massatti

AbstractFunctional connectivity (i.e., the movement of individuals across a landscape) is essential for the maintenance of genetic variation and persistence of rare species. However, illuminating the processes influencing functional connectivity and ultimately translating this knowledge into management practice remains a fundamental challenge. Here, we combine various population structure analyses with pairwise, population-specific demographic modeling to investigate historical functional connectivity in Graham’s beardtongue (Penstemon grahamii), a rare plant narrowly distributed across a dryland region of the western US. While principal component and population structure analyses indicated an isolation-by-distance pattern of differentiation across the species’ range, spatial inferences of effective migration exposed an abrupt shift in population ancestry near the range center. To understand these seemingly conflicting patterns, we tested various models of historical gene flow and found evidence for recent admixture (~ 3400 generations ago) between populations near the range center. This historical perspective reconciles population structure patterns and suggests management efforts should focus on maintaining connectivity between these previously isolated lineages to promote the ongoing transfer of genetic variation. Beyond providing species-specific knowledge to inform management options, our study highlights how understanding demographic history may be critical to guide conservation efforts when interpreting population genetic patterns and inferring functional connectivity.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 733
Author(s):  
Xiangfeng Meng ◽  
Tong Liu ◽  
Lin Zhang ◽  
Longru Jin ◽  
Keping Sun ◽  
...  

Determining the evolutionary history and population drivers, such as past large-scale climatic oscillations, stochastic processes and ecological adaptations, represents one of the aims of evolutionary biology. Hipposideros larvatus is a common bat species in Southern China, including Hainan Island. We examined genetic variation in H. larvatus using mitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellites. We found a population structure on both markers with a geographic pattern that corresponds well with the structure on mainland China and Hainan Island. To understand the contributions of geography, the environment and colonization history to the observed population structure, we tested isolation by distance (IBD), isolation by adaptation (IBA) and isolation by colonization (IBC) using serial Mantel tests and RDA analysis. The results showed significant impacts of IBD, IBA and IBC on neutral genetic variation, suggesting that genetic variation in H. larvatus is greatly affected by neutral processes, environmental adaptation and colonization history. This study enriches our understanding of the complex evolutionary forces that shape the distribution of genetic variation in bats.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Loreta Griciuvienė ◽  
Žygimantas Janeliūnas ◽  
Vaclovas Jurgelevičius ◽  
Algimantas Paulauskas

Abstract Background Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a widely distributed ungulate whose success can be attributed to a variety of ecological features. The genetic variation and population structure of Lithuania’s wild boar population have not yet been thoroughly studied. The purposes of this study were to investigate the genetic diversity of S. scrofa and assess the effects of habitat fragmentation on the population structure of wild boar in Lithuania. A total of 96 S. scrofa individuals collected from different regions of Lithuania were genotyped using fifteen microsatellite loci. Results The microsatellite analysis of the wild boars indicated high levels of genetic diversity within the population. Microsatellite markers showed evidence of a single panmictic wild boar population in Lithuania according to STRUCTURE’s highest average likelihood, which was K = 1. This was supported by pairwise Fst values and AMOVA, which indicated no differentiation between the four sampling areas. The results of the Mantel test revealed a weak isolation by distance and geographic diversity gradients that persisted between locations. Motorway fencing and heavy traffic were not an effective barrier to wild boar movement. Conclusions There was limited evidence of population genetic structure among the wild boar, supporting the presence of a single population across the study area and indicating that there may be no barriers hindering wild boar dispersal across the landscape. The widespread wild boar population in Lithuania, the high level of genetic variation observed within subpopulations, and the low level of variation identified between subpopulations suggest migration and gene flow between locations. The results of this study should provide valuable information in future for understanding and comparing the detailed structure of wild boar population in Lithuania following the outbreak of African swine fever.


2011 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Alejandro Martínez-Palacios ◽  
Juan M. Gómez-Sierra ◽  
Cuauhtémoc Sáenz-Romero ◽  
Nidia Pérez-Nasser ◽  
Nahúm Sánchez-Vargas

Agave cupreata Trel. & Berger is an endemic plant naturally distributed in the Balsas Depression, a semiarid region in the states of Guerrero and Michoacán in Southwestern México. Their populations are heavily decimated because mature individuals just before their single life flowering period are harvested to produce mezcal, an alcoholic beverage. The genetic variation among and within 12 natural populations was examined for nine isozyme loci. Results indicate high average proportion of polymorphic loci (93 %) and expected heterozygosity (He = 0.467), with an excess of observed heterozygotes in relation to Hardy-Weinberg expectations (Ho = 0.521, FIS = -0.1179). These results represent the largest heterozygosity reported for Agave species endemic to México. There is also a statistically significant genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.042). An UPGMA dendrogram reveals the absence of a geographic pattern, as confi rmed by a Mantel test (r = -0.110, P = 0.769), which did not show significant isolation by distance. Estimated minimum viable effective population size was very large (Ne =16,165), larger than in any other known natural population. To protect the natural genetic variation, it is suggested to design and manage A. cupreata natural populations as forest genetic resource conservation units (FGRCUs) using realistic and modest Ne sizes, perhaps between 500 and 5000 plants, ideally with intermediate plantations that could serve as pollinator corridors. Commercial plantations and ex situ FGRCUs need to be established to gradually develop a sustainable management, perhaps at higher altitudes than current locations, as a management measure for adaptation to the climatic change.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document