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Sperm mobility is predictive of the relative genetic contribution among competing mating geese, as determined by microsatellite genotype identification of potential sires. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102626. [PMID: 37004290 PMCID: PMC10090699 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The low reproductive efficiency (RE) of geese limits their production in the poultry industry. To select ganders with high breeding potential, the effect of 3 sperm mobility ranks (SMRs; high-, medium-, and low-SMR) on the RE of naturally mating geese was determined. To exclude the confounding effect of social rank (SR) on RE in naturally mating flocks, a 2-factor nested experimental design was used to differentiate the effects of SMR and SR on RE. Twenty-seven ganders and 135 geese (Zi geese, Anser cygnoides L.) at approximately 1 yr of age were divided into 3 flocks, each of which included the 3 SMR groups. Each SMR group included 3 ganders and 15 female geese. Relative genetic contribution (RGC) is defined as the number of offspring sired by 1 male as a percentage of the entire goslings in each flock, and it was used to compare the differences in RE among ganders. The frequency of agonistic behavioral interactions (ABIs) among the ganders was video recorded in each SMR group, and the SR of each gander was determined. In total, 1,026 eggs were incubated, and 609 goslings hatched. Parent-offspring relationships among 771 individuals from the 2 generations were identified using 20 microsatellite markers, and the RGC was calculated. Results showed that the SMR and SR had significant effects on RGC in naturally mating geese (P = 0.001 and P = 0.000, respectively). Significant differences in RGC were observed among the high- and medium- and low-SMR groups, with average RGCs of 14.3, 10.6, and 8.4%, respectively. The high-SMR group had the highest RGCs in each flock, and the ganders with high SR had the highest RGCs among the 3 SMRs. The study showed that in a naturally mating geese population, selecting for the sperm mobility traits of a gander can effectively improve the RE.
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As the Goose Flies: Migration Routes and Timing Influence Patterns of Genetic Diversity in a Circumpolar Migratory Herbivore. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14121067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Migration schedules and the timing of other annual events (e.g., pair formation and molt) can affect the distribution of genetic diversity as much as where these events occur. The greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) is a circumpolar goose species, exhibiting temporal and spatial variation of events among populations during the annual cycle. Previous range-wide genetic assessments of the nuclear genome based on eight microsatellite loci suggest a single, largely panmictic population despite up to five subspecies currently recognized based on phenotypic differences. We used double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD-seq) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data to re-evaluate estimates of spatial genomic structure and to characterize how past and present processes have shaped the patterns of genetic diversity and connectivity across the Arctic and subarctic. We uncovered previously undetected inter-population differentiation with genetic clusters corresponding to sampling locales associated with current management groups. We further observed subtle genetic clustering within each management unit that can be at least partially explained by the timing and directionality of migration events along with other behaviors during the annual cycle. The Tule Goose (A. a. elgasi) and Greenland subspecies (A. a. flavirostris) showed the highest level of divergence among all sampling locales investigated. The recovery of previously undetected broad and fine-scale spatial structure suggests that the strong cultural transmission of migratory behavior restricts gene flow across portions of the species’ range. Our data further highlight the importance of re-evaluating previous assessments conducted based on a small number of highly variable genetic markers in phenotypically diverse species.
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Honka J, Baini S, Searle JB, Kvist L, Aspi J. Genetic assessment reveals inbreeding, possible hybridization, and low levels of genetic structure in a declining goose population. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8547. [PMID: 35127046 PMCID: PMC8796947 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The population numbers of taiga bean goose (Anser fabalis fabalis) have halved during recent decades. Since this subspecies is hunted throughout most of its range, the decline is of management concern. Knowledge of the genetic population structure and diversity is important for guiding management and conservation efforts. Genetically unique subpopulations might be hunted to extinction if not managed separately, and any inbreeding depression or lack of genetic diversity may affect the ability to adapt to changing environments and increase extinction risk. We used microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers to study the genetic population structure and diversity among taiga bean geese breeding within the Central flyway management unit using non-invasively collected feathers. We found some genetic structuring with the maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA between four geographic regions (ɸ ST = 0.11-0.20) but none with the nuclear microsatellite markers (all pairwise F ST-values = 0.002-0.005). These results could be explained by female natal philopatry and male-biased dispersal, which completely homogenizes the nuclear genome. Therefore, the population could be managed as a single unit. Genetic diversity was still at a moderate level (average H E = 0.69) and there were no signs of past population size reductions, although significantly positive inbreeding coefficients in all sampling sites (F IS = 0.05-0.10) and high relatedness values (r = 0.60-0.86) between some individuals could indicate inbreeding. In addition, there was evidence of either incomplete lineage sorting or introgression from the pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus). The current population is not under threat by genetic impoverishment but monitoring in the future is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Honka
- Ecology and Genetics Research UnitUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Serena Baini
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly
| | - Jeremy B. Searle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Laura Kvist
- Ecology and Genetics Research UnitUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Jouni Aspi
- Ecology and Genetics Research UnitUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
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The association of social rank with paternity efficiency in competitive mating flocks of Zi goose ganders (Anser cygnoides L.). Poult Sci 2021; 100:101415. [PMID: 34534850 PMCID: PMC8450244 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of social rank (SR) on paternity efficiency (PE) in competitive mating flocks of geese. Thirty ganders and 150 geese (Zi geese, Anser cygnoides L.) aged approximately one, were divided into 3 groups. Flock 1 included 10 ganders and 50 female geese, flock 2 included 11 ganders and 55 female geese, and flock 3 included 9 ganders and 45 female geese. The frequency of the agonistic behavioral interactions (ABI) of the ganders and mating activity (MA) were video recorded in each flock. The SR of each gander was determined by the frequency of ABI with a score of 1 to 3 (1 being the dominant and 3 the most subordinate). To clarify the difference between being dominant and submissive, we collapsed rank 2 and rank 3 into a “subordinate” category. In total, 280 eggs were collected, and 219 goslings were hatched. Parent–offspring relationships among 399 individuals from the 2 generations were identified via 20 microsatellite markers, and the PE of each gander was calculated. There was no significant difference in individual body weight and semen quality factor among the different SR groups (dominant and subordinate), and the SR of the ganders was significantly correlated to PE for the 3 flocks. Goslings of high-ranking ganders contributed 48.68% in flock 1, 37.50% in flock 2, and 47.62% in flock 3. Approximately 45% of all goslings were sired by the 7 dominant ganders of the 30 total ganders across the 3 flocks. As SR has been shown to be heritable in geese, the selection of high-ranking ganders might be an effective way to improve reproductive efficiency in commercial geese flocks.
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Kimble SJA, Dorr BS, Hanson‐Dorr KC, Rhodes OE, Devault TL. Migratory Flyways May Affect Population Structure in Double‐Crested Cormorants. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. A. Kimble
- Department of Biological Sciences Towson University 8000 York Road Baltimore MD 21252 USA
| | - Brian S. Dorr
- USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center P.O. Box 6099 Mississippi State MS 39762 USA
| | - Katie C. Hanson‐Dorr
- USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center P.O. Box 6099 Mississippi State MS 39762 USA
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory P.O. Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Travis L. Devault
- USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center 6100 Columbus Avenue Sandusky OH 44870 USA
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Zhu Q, Damba I, Zhao Q, Yi K, Batbayar N, Natsagdorj T, Davaasuren B, Wang X, Rozenfeld S, Moriguchi S, Zhan A, Cao L, Fox AD. Lack of conspicuous sex-biased dispersal patterns at different spatial scales in an Asian endemic goose species breeding in unpredictable steppe wetlands. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:7006-7020. [PMID: 32760508 PMCID: PMC7391341 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispersal affects the spatial distribution and population structure of species. Dispersal is often male-biased in mammals while female-biased in birds, with the notable exception of the Anatidae. In this study, we tested genetic evidence for sex-biased dispersal (SBD) in the Swan Goose Anser cygnoides, an Asian endemic and IUCN vulnerable species, which has been increasingly restricted to breeding on Mongolian steppe wetlands. We analyzed the genotypes of 278 Swan Geese samples from 14 locations at 14 microsatellite loci. Results from assignment indices, analysis of molecular variance, and five other population descriptors all failed to support significant SBD signals for the Swan Goose at the landscape level. Although overall results showed significantly high relatedness within colonies (suggesting high levels of philopatry in both sexes), local male genetic structure at the 1,050 km distance indicated greater dispersal distance for females from the eastern sector of the breeding range. Hence, local dispersal is likely scale-dependent and female-biased within the eastern breeding range. These findings are intriguing considering the prevailing expectation for there to be female fidelity in most goose species. We suggest that while behavior-related traits may have facilitated the local genetic structure for the Swan Goose, several extrinsic factors, including the decreasing availability of the nesting sites and the severe fragmentation of breeding habitats, could have contributed to the absence of SBD at the landscape level. The long-distance molt migration that is typical of goose species such as the Swan Goose may also have hampered our ability to detect SBD. Hence, we urge further genetic sampling from other areas in summer to extend our results, complemented by field observations to confirm our DNA analysis conclusions about sex-specific dispersal patterns at different spatial scales in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Iderbat Damba
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional EcologyResearch Center for Eco‐Environmental SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Ornithology LaboratoryInstitute of BiologyMongolian Academy of SciencesUlaanbaatarMongolia
| | - Qingshan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional EcologyResearch Center for Eco‐Environmental SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kunpeng Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional EcologyResearch Center for Eco‐Environmental SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | | | | | | | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional EcologyResearch Center for Eco‐Environmental SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Sonia Rozenfeld
- Bird Ringing Centre of RussiaInstitute of Ecology and EvolutionRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Sachiko Moriguchi
- Faculty of Veterinary ScienceNippon Veterinary and Life Science UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Aibin Zhan
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Environmental BiotechnologyResearch Center for Eco‐Environmental SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional EcologyResearch Center for Eco‐Environmental SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Zhu Q, Hobson KA, Zhao Q, Zhou Y, Damba I, Batbayar N, Natsagdorj T, Davaasuren B, Antonov A, Guan J, Wang X, Fang L, Cao L, David Fox A. Migratory connectivity of Swan Geese based on species' distribution models, feather stable isotope assignment and satellite tracking. DIVERS DISTRIB 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- School of Life Science University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Keith A. Hobson
- Science and Technology Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada Saskatoon SK Canada
- Department of Biology University of Western Ontario London ON Canada
| | - Qingshan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yiqi Zhou
- Research Center for Eco‐Environment Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Iderbat Damba
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- Ornithology Laboratory Institute of Biology Mongolian Academy of Sciences Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | - Nyambayar Batbayar
- Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | | | | | | | - Jian Guan
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Lei Fang
- School of Life Science University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Lei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
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Sonsthagen SA, Wilson RE, Lavretsky P, Talbot SL. Coast to coast: High genomic connectivity in North American scoters. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:7246-7261. [PMID: 31380047 PMCID: PMC6662410 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispersal shapes demographic processes and therefore is fundamental to understanding biological, ecological, and evolutionary processes acting within populations. However, assessing population connectivity in scoters (Melanitta sp.) is challenging as these species have large spatial distributions that span remote landscapes, have varying nesting distributions (disjunct vs. continuous), exhibit unknown levels of dispersal, and vary in the timing of the formation of pair bonds (winter vs. fall/spring migration) that may influence the distribution of genetic diversity. Here, we used double-digest restriction-associated DNA sequence (ddRAD) and microsatellite genotype data to assess population structure within the three North American species of scoter (black scoter, M. americana; white-winged scoter, M. deglandi; surf scoter, M. perspicillata), and between their European congeners (common scoter, M. nigra; velvet scoter, M. fusca). We uncovered no or weak genomic structure (ddRAD Φ ST < 0.019; microsatellite F ST < 0.004) within North America but high levels of structure among European congeners (ddRAD Φ ST > 0.155, microsatellite F ST > 0.086). The pattern of limited genomic structure within North America is shared with other sea duck species and is often attributed to male-biased dispersal. Further, migratory tendencies (east vs. west) of female surf and white-winged scoters in central Canada are known to vary across years, providing additional opportunities for intracontinental dispersal and a mechanism for the maintenance of genomic connectivity across North America. In contrast, the black scoter had relatively elevated levels of divergence between Alaska and Atlantic sites and a second genetic cluster found in Alaska at ddRAD loci was concordant with its disjunct breeding distribution suggestive of a dispersal barrier (behavioral or physical). Although scoter populations appear to be connected through a dispersal network, a small percentage (<4%) of ddRAD loci had elevated divergence which may be useful in linking areas (nesting, molting, staging, and wintering) throughout the annual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Sonsthagen
- US Geological SurveyAlaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr.AnchorageAlaska
| | - Robert E. Wilson
- US Geological SurveyAlaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr.AnchorageAlaska
| | - Philip Lavretsky
- US Geological SurveyAlaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr.AnchorageAlaska
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at El PasoEl PasoTexas
| | - Sandra L. Talbot
- US Geological SurveyAlaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr.AnchorageAlaska
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Kölzsch A, Müskens GJDM, Szinai P, Moonen S, Glazov P, Kruckenberg H, Wikelski M, Nolet BA. Flyway connectivity and exchange primarily driven by moult migration in geese. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2019; 7:3. [PMID: 30733867 PMCID: PMC6354378 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-019-0148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For the conservation and management of migratory species that strongly decrease or increase due to anthropological impacts, a clear delineation of populations and quantification of possible mixing (migratory connectivity) is crucial. Usually, population exchange in migratory species is only studied in breeding or wintering sites, but we considered the whole annual cycle in order to determine important stages and sites for population mixing in an Arctic migrant. METHODS We used 91 high resolution GPS tracks of Western Palearctic greater white-fronted geese (Anser A. albifrons) from the North Sea and Pannonic populations to extract details of where and when populations overlapped and exchange was possible. Overlap areas were calculated as dynamic Brownian bridges of stopover, nest and moulting sites. RESULTS Utilisation areas of the two populations overlapped only somewhat during spring and autumn migration stopovers, but much during moult. During this stage, non-breeders and failed breeders of the North Sea population intermixed with geese from the Pannonic population in the Pyasina delta on Taimyr peninsula. The timing of use of overlap areas was highly consistent between populations, making exchange possible. Two of our tracked geese switched from the North Sea population flyway to the Pannonic flyway during moult on Taimyr peninsula or early during the subsequent autumn migration. Because we could follow one of them during the next year, where it stayed in the Pannonic flyway, we suggest that the exchange was long-term or permanent. CONCLUSIONS We have identified long-distance moult migration of failed or non-breeders as a key phenomenon creating overlap between two flyway populations of geese. This supports the notion of previously suggested population exchange and migratory connectivity, but outside of classically suggested wintering or breeding sites. Our results call for consideration of moult migration and population exchange in conservation and management of our greater white-fronted geese as well as other waterfowl populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Kölzsch
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Am Obstberg 1, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Institute for Wetlands and Waterbird Research e.V, Am Steigbügel 13, 27283 Verden (Aller), Germany
| | - G. J. D. M. Müskens
- Team Animal Ecology, Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3-3A, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - P. Szinai
- Balaton-felvidéki National Park Directorate, Kossuth utca 16, Csopak, 8229 Hungary
- Bird Ringing and Migration Study Group of BirdLife Hungary, Koltő utca 21, Budapest, 1121 Hungary
| | - S. Moonen
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - P. Glazov
- Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Staromonetnyi per. 29, 119017 Moscow, Russia
| | - H. Kruckenberg
- Institute for Wetlands and Waterbird Research e.V, Am Steigbügel 13, 27283 Verden (Aller), Germany
| | - M. Wikelski
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Am Obstberg 1, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - B. A. Nolet
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wilson RE, Ely CR, Talbot SL. Flyway structure in the circumpolar greater white-fronted goose. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8490-8507. [PMID: 30250718 PMCID: PMC6144976 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispersal and migratory behavior are influential factors in determining how genetic diversity is distributed across the landscape. In migratory species, genetic structure can be promoted via several mechanisms including fidelity to distinct migratory routes. Particularly within North America, waterfowl management units have been delineated according to distinct longitudinal migratory flyways supported by banding data and other direct evidence. The greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) is a migratory waterfowl species with a largely circumpolar distribution consisting of up to six subspecies roughly corresponding to phenotypic variation. We examined the rangewide population genetic structure of greater white-fronted geese using mtDNA control region sequence data and microsatellite loci from 23 locales across North America and Eurasia. We found significant differentiation in mtDNA between sampling locales with flyway delineation explaining a significant portion of the observed genetic variation (~12%). This is concordant with band recovery data which shows little interflyway or intercontinental movements. However, microsatellite loci revealed little genetic structure suggesting a panmictic population across most of the Arctic. As with many high-latitude species, Beringia appears to have played a role in the diversification of this species. A common Beringian origin of North America and Asian populations and a recent divergence could at least partly explain the general lack of structure at nuclear markers. Further, our results do not provide strong support for the various taxonomic proposals for this species except for supporting the distinctness of two isolated breeding populations within Cook Inlet, Alaska (A. a. elgasi) and Greenland (A. a. flavirostris), consistent with their subspecies status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E. Wilson
- Alaska Science CenterU. S. Geological SurveyAnchorageAlaska
- Institute of Arctic BiologyUniversity of Alaska FairbanksFairbanksAlaska
| | - Craig R. Ely
- Alaska Science CenterU. S. Geological SurveyAnchorageAlaska
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11
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Ely CR, Wilson RE, Talbot SL. Genetic structure among greater white-fronted goose populations of the Pacific Flyway. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:2956-2968. [PMID: 28479995 PMCID: PMC5415542 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
An understanding of the genetic structure of populations in the wild is essential for long‐term conservation and stewardship in the face of environmental change. Knowledge of the present‐day distribution of genetic lineages (phylogeography) of a species is especially important for organisms that are exploited or utilize habitats that may be jeopardized by human intervention, including climate change. Here, we describe mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear genetic (microsatellite) diversity among three populations of a migratory bird, the greater white‐fronted goose (Anser albifrons), which breeds discontinuously in western and southwestern Alaska and winters in the Pacific Flyway of North America. Significant genetic structure was evident at both marker types. All three populations were differentiated for mtDNA, whereas microsatellite analysis only differentiated geese from the Cook Inlet Basin. In sexual reproducing species, nonrandom mate selection, when occurring in concert with fine‐scale resource partitioning, can lead to phenotypic and genetic divergence as we observed in our study. If mate selection does not occur at the time of reproduction, which is not uncommon in long‐lived organisms, then mechanisms influencing the true availability of potential mates may be obscured, and the degree of genetic and phenotypic diversity may appear incongruous with presumed patterns of gene flow. Previous investigations revealed population‐specific behavioral, temporal, and spatial mechanisms that likely influence the amount of gene flow measured among greater white‐fronted goose populations. The degree of observed genetic structuring aligns well with our current understanding of population differences pertaining to seasonal movements, social structure, pairing behavior, and resource partitioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R Ely
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center Anchorage AK USA
| | - Robert E Wilson
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center Anchorage AK USA
| | - Sandra L Talbot
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center Anchorage AK USA
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