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Madsen T, Ujvari B, Bauwens D, Gruber B, Georges A, Klaassen M. Polyandry and non-random fertilisation maintain long-term genetic diversity in an isolated island population of adders (Vipera berus). Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 130:64-72. [PMID: 36474024 PMCID: PMC9905584 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-022-00578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation genetic theory suggests that small and isolated populations should be subject to reduced genetic diversity i.e., heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Our 34 years study of an isolated island population of adders (Vipera berus) in southern Sweden challenges this notion. Despite a lack of gene flow and a yearly mean estimated reproductive adult population size of only 65 adult adders (range 12-171), the population maintains high levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity similar to that observed in two mainland populations. Even a 14-year major "bottleneck" i.e., a reduction in adult adder numbers, encompassing at least four adder generations, did not result in any reduction in the island adders' heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Female adders are polyandrous, and fertilisation is non-random, which our empirical data and modelling suggest are underpinning the maintenance of the population's high level of heterozygosity. Our empirical results and subsequent modelling suggest that the positive genetic effects of polyandry in combination with non-random fertilisation, often overlooked in conservation genetic analyses, deserve greater consideration when predicting long-term survival of small and isolated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Madsen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217, Australia.
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217, Australia
| | - Dirk Bauwens
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Functional Morphology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bernd Gruber
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217, Australia
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Huang L, Feng G, Li D, Shang W, Zhang L, Yan R, Jiang Y, Li S. Genetic variation of endangered Jankowski’s Bunting (Emberiza jankowskii): High connectivity and a moderate history of demographic decline. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.996617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionContinued discovery of “mismatch” patterns between population size and genetic diversity, involving wild species such as insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, and others, has raised issues about how population history, especially recent dynamics under human disturbance, affects currently standing genetic variation. Previous studies have revealed high genetic diversity in endangered Jankowski’s Bunting. However, it is unclear how the demographic history and recent habitat changes shape the genetic variation of Jankowski’s Bunting.MethodsTo explore the formation and maintenance of high genetic diversity in endangered Jankowski’s Bunting, we used a mitochondrial control region (partial mtDNA CR) and 15 nuclear microsatellite markers to explore the recent demographic history of Jankowski’s Bunting, and we compared the historical and contemporary gene flows between populations to reveal the impact of habitat change on population connectivity. Specifically, we aimed to test the following hypotheses: (1) Jankowski’s Bunting has a large historical Ne and a moderate demographic history; and (2) recent habitat change might have no significant impact on the species’ population connectivity.ResultsThe results suggested that large historical effective population size, as well as severe but slow population decline, may partially explain the high observable genetic diversity. Comparison of historical (over the past 4Ne generations) and contemporary (1–3 generations) gene flow indicated that the connectivity between five local populations was only marginally affected by landscape changes.DiscussionOur results suggest that high population connectivity and a moderate history of demographic decline are powerful explanations for the rich genetic variation in Jankowski’s Bunting. Although there is no evidence that the genetic health of Jankowski’s Bunting is threatened, the time-lag effects on the genetic response to recent environmental changes is a reminder to be cautious about the current genetic characteristics of this species. Where possible, factors influencing genetic variation should be integrated into a systematic framework for conducting robust population health assessments. Given the small contemporary population size, inbreeding, and ecological specialization, we recommend that habitat protection be maintained to maximize the genetic diversity and population connectivity of Jankowski’s Bunting.
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Neveceralova P, Carroll EL, Steel D, Vermeulen E, Elwen S, Zidek J, Stafford JK, Chivell W, Hulva P. Population Changes in a Whale Breeding Ground Revealed by Citizen Science Noninvasive Genetics. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Seasonal Trends and Diel Patterns of Downsweep and SEP Calls in Chilean Blue Whales. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10030316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To learn more about the occurrence and behaviour of a recently discovered population of blue whales, passive acoustic data were collected between January 2012 and April 2013 in the Chiloense ecoregion of southern Chile. Automatic detectors and manual auditing were used to detect blue whale songs (SEP calls) and D calls, which were then analysed to gain insights into temporal calling patterns. We found that D call rates were extremely low during winter (June–August) but gradually increased in spring and summer, decreasing again later during fall. SEP calls were absent for most winter and spring months (July–November) but increased in summer and fall, peaking between March and April. Thus, our results support previous studies documenting the austral summer residency of blue whales in this region, while suggesting that some individuals stay longer, highlighting the importance of this area as a blue whale habitat. We also investigated the daily occurrence of each call type and found that D calls occurred more frequently during dusk and night hours compared to dawn and day periods, whereas SEP calls did not show any significant diel patterns. Overall, these findings help to understand the occurrence and behaviour of endangered Chilean blue whales, enhancing our ability to develop conservation strategies in this important Southern Hemisphere habitat.
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Devillard S, Jacquier M, Vandel JM, Léger F, Duhayer J, Pardonnet S, Say L, Ruette S. Genetic variability and population size covary positively across nine badgers (Meles meles) populations in France. MAMMAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-021-00614-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Sartori RQ, Lopes AG, Aires LPN, Bianchi RDC, de Mattos CCB, Morales AC, Castiglioni L. Identifying Priority Giant Anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla) Populations for Conservation in São Paulo State, Brazil. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:700-713. [PMID: 33520159 PMCID: PMC7820152 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss is the main threat to biodiversity conservation worldwide. Some species may be particularly susceptible to the effects of fragmentation and the isolation of populations. The impacts of human activity on wild animal populations may be understood through relationships between individual genetic data and spatial landscape variables, particularly when considering local population dynamics influenced by fragmented habitats. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the population structure and genetic diversity of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using an individual sampling scheme (ISS) on a regional geographic scale. Data were collected from 41 specimens from twenty different locations in São Paulo State, Brazil, and six polymorphic microsatellite loci were genotyped. Our results indicate that barriers to gene flow exist and have segregated individuals of the farther away areas into two spatially structured clusters. The populations were also found to have high genetic diversity. The experimental sampling approach used herein enabled an analysis of the population dynamics of the giant anteater on a regional scale, as well as the identification of priority populations for genetic resource conservation for this species. The results reflect the need for adequate management plans. The efficacy of the sampling scheme may vary based on the study model used, but we argue that the use of an ISS combined with suitable molecular markers and statistical methods may serve as an important tool for initial analyses of threatened or vulnerable species, particularly in anthropized regions where populations are small or hard to characterize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Quiterio Sartori
- School of Biosciences, Humanities, and Exact SciencesGraduate Program in BiosciencesSão Paulo State University (UNESP)São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo StateBrazil
| | - Alessandro Garcia Lopes
- School of Biosciences, Humanities, and Exact SciencesGraduate Program in BiosciencesSão Paulo State University (UNESP)São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo StateBrazil
| | | | - Rita de Cassia Bianchi
- School of Agricultural and Veterinary ScienceSão Paulo State University (UNESP)JaboticabalSão Paulo StateBrazil
| | | | - Adriana Coletto Morales
- School of Agricultural and Veterinary ScienceSão Paulo State University (UNESP)JaboticabalSão Paulo StateBrazil
| | - Lilian Castiglioni
- School of Biosciences, Humanities, and Exact SciencesGraduate Program in BiosciencesSão Paulo State University (UNESP)São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo StateBrazil
- São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP)São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo StateBrazil
- Rio Preto University Center (UNIRP)São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo StateBrazil
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Caruso F, Hickmott L, Warren JD, Segre P, Chiang G, Bahamonde P, Español-Jiménez S, Li S, Bocconcelli A. Diel differences in blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) dive behavior increase nighttime risk of ship strikes in northern Chilean Patagonia. Integr Zool 2020; 16:594-611. [PMID: 33166068 PMCID: PMC9290343 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The northern Chilean Patagonia region is a key feeding ground and a nursing habitat in the southern hemisphere for blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). From 2014 to 2019, during 6 separate research cruises, the dive behavior of 28 individual blue whales was investigated using bio‐logging tags (DTAGs), generating ≈190 h of data. Whales dove to significantly greater depths during the day compared to nighttime (day: 32.6 ± 18.7 m; night: 6.2 ± 2.7 m; P < 0.01). During the night, most time was spent close to the surface (86% ± 9.4%; P < 0.01) and at depths of less than 12 m. From 2016 to 2019, active acoustics (scientific echosounders) were used to record prey (euphausiids) density and distribution simultaneously with whale diving data. Tagged whales appeared to perform dives relative to the vertical migration of prey during the day. The association between diurnal prey migration and shallow nighttime dive behavior suggests that blue whales are at increased risk of ship collisions during periods of darkness since the estimated maximum ship draft of vessels operating in the region is also ≈12 m. In recent decades, northern Chilean Patagonia has seen a large increase in marine traffic due to a boom in salmon aquaculture and the passenger ship industry. Vessel strike risks for large whales are likely underestimated in this region. Results reported in this study may be valuable for policy and mitigation decisions regarding conservation of the endangered blue whale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Caruso
- Marine Mammals and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Sanya, China.,Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leigh Hickmott
- Open Ocean Consulting, Hampshire, UK.,Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | | | - Paolo Segre
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, California, USA
| | - Gustavo Chiang
- Melimoyu Ecosystem Research Institute, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Paulina Bahamonde
- Melimoyu Ecosystem Research Institute, Santiago de Chile, Chile.,HUB Ambiental-Centro de Estudios Avanzado, Universidad de Playa Ancha (UPLA), Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Songhai Li
- Marine Mammals and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Sanya, China
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Buchan SJ, Gutierrez L, Balcazar-Cabrera N, Stafford KM. Seasonal occurrence of fin whale song off Juan Fernandez, Chile. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Bedriñana-Romano L, Hucke-Gaete R, Viddi FA, Morales J, Williams R, Ashe E, Garcés-Vargas J, Torres-Florez JP, Ruiz J. Integrating multiple data sources for assessing blue whale abundance and distribution in Chilean Northern Patagonia. DIVERS DISTRIB 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Bedriñana-Romano
- Facultad de Ciencias; Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
- NGO Centro Ballena Azul; Valdivia Chile
| | - Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete
- Facultad de Ciencias; Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
- NGO Centro Ballena Azul; Valdivia Chile
| | - Francisco Alejandro Viddi
- Facultad de Ciencias; Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
- NGO Centro Ballena Azul; Valdivia Chile
| | - Juan Morales
- LaboratorioEcotono; INIBIOMA-CONICET; Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Bariloche Argentina
| | | | | | - José Garcés-Vargas
- Facultad de Ciencias; Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
- Centro FONDAP de Investigación en Dinámica de Ecosistemas Marinos de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL); Valdivia Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Torres-Florez
- NGO Centro Ballena Azul; Valdivia Chile
- Departamento de Genetica e Evolução; Universidade Federal de São Carlos; São Carlos SP Brazil
| | - Jorge Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias; Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
- NGO Centro Ballena Azul; Valdivia Chile
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Brown AP, Greenway R, Morgan S, Quackenbush CR, Giordani L, Arias-Rodriguez L, Tobler M, Kelley JL. Genome-scale data reveal that endemic Poecilia populations from small sulphidic springs display no evidence of inbreeding. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:4920-4934. [PMID: 28731545 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Populations with limited ranges can be highly vulnerable to changes in their environment and are, thus, of high conservation concern. Populations that experience human-induced range reductions are often highly inbred and lack genetic diversity, but it is unknown whether this is also the case for populations with naturally small ranges. The fishes Poecilia sulphuraria (listed as critically endangered) and Poecilia thermalis, which are endemic to small hydrogen sulphide-rich springs in southern Mexico, are examples of such populations with inherently small habitats. We used geometric morphometrics and population genetics to quantify phenotypic and genetic variation within and among two populations of P. sulphuraria and one population of P. thermalis. Principal component analyses revealed phenotypic and genetic differences among the populations. Evidence for inbreeding was low compared to populations that have undergone habitat reduction. The genetic data were also used to infer the demographic history of these populations to obtain estimates for effective population sizes and migration rates. Effective population sizes were large given the small habitats of these populations. Our results imply that these three endemic extremophile populations should each be considered separately for conservation purposes. Additionally, this study suggests that populations in naturally small habitats may have lower rates of inbreeding and higher genetic diversity than expected, and therefore may be better equipped to handle environmental perturbations than anticipated. We caution, however, that the inferred lack of inbreeding and the large effective population sizes could potentially be a result of colonization by genetically diverse ancestors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony P Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Ryan Greenway
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Samuel Morgan
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Corey R Quackenbush
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | - Lenin Arias-Rodriguez
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | - Michael Tobler
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Joanna L Kelley
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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11
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Revisiting Adaptive Potential, Population Size, and Conservation. Trends Ecol Evol 2017; 32:506-517. [PMID: 28476215 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Additive genetic variance (VA) reflects the potential for evolutionary shifts and can be low for some traits or populations. High VA is critical for the conservation of threatened species under selection to facilitate adaptation. Theory predicts tight associations between population size and VA, but data from some experimental models, and managed and natural populations do not always support this prediction. However, VA comparisons often have low statistical power, are undertaken in highly controlled environments distinct from natural habitats, and focus on traits with limited ecological relevance. Moreover, investigations of VA typically fail to consider rare alleles, genetic load, or linkage disequilibrium, resulting in deleterious effects associated with favored alleles in small populations. Large population size remains essential for ensuring adaptation.
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Zhao L, Chenoweth EL, Liu Q. Population structure and genetic diversity of Sinibrama macrops from Ou River and Ling River based on mtDNA D-loop region analysis, China. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2017; 29:303-311. [PMID: 28129728 DOI: 10.1080/24701394.2016.1278533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In order to understand the influence of human activities such as habitat fragmentation on freshwater fish population evolution, we investigated and compared the genetic diversity and phylogeography of Sinibrama macrops populations in the Oujiang River and Ling River. Mitochondrial control region sequences (D-loop region) of 131 specimens from six populations were obtained and analyzed. The diversity of main stream in the Ou River was lower than that in Ling River. Changtan population showed the lowest diversity (H = 0.646 ± 0.077; π = 0.00060 ± 0.00820). Pairwise FST, gene flow (Nm), and genetic distance (Da) indicated that Longquan and Changtan significantly differentiate from other populations. Nested clade phylogeographical analysis (NCPA) showed some clades and total cladogram experienced isolation by distance. In conclusion, the populations from severely fragmented Ou River have the lower diversity and more intense differentiation than that from the mainstream of Ling River, Changtan population present the lowest diversity and were isolated by the dam construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangjie Zhao
- a The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Resources and Utilization (AGRU) of the Ministry of Agriculture , Shanghai Ocean University , Shanghai , P. R. China.,b Fishery Biological Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University , Xinyang , P. R. China
| | - Erica L Chenoweth
- c Gene Conservation Laboratory, Alaska Department of Fish & Game , Anchorage , AK , USA
| | - Qigen Liu
- a The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Resources and Utilization (AGRU) of the Ministry of Agriculture , Shanghai Ocean University , Shanghai , P. R. China
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Galletti Vernazzani B, Jackson JA, Cabrera E, Carlson CA, Brownell RL. Estimates of Abundance and Trend of Chilean Blue Whales off Isla de Chiloé, Chile. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0168646. [PMID: 28081160 PMCID: PMC5231374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1970, blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) have been seen feeding in the waters off southern Chile during the summer and autumn (December to May). Investigation of the genetic, acoustic and morphological characteristics of these blue whales shows that they are a distinct but unnamed subspecies, called the Chilean blue whales. Photo-identification surveys have been conducted in the waters off northwestern Isla Grande de Chiloé, southern Chile from 2004–2012 and Isla Chañaral, central Chile in 2012. Over this time, 1,070 blue whales were encountered yielding, after photo-quality control, 318 and 267 unique photographs of the left and right side of the flank respectively. Using mark-recapture analysis of left and right side photographs collected from Isla Grande de Chiloé (2004–2012), open population models estimate that ~570–760 whales are feeding seasonally in this region. POPAN superpopulation abundance estimates for the same feeding ground in 2012 are 762 (95% confidence intervals, CI = 638–933) and 570 (95% CI 475–705) for left and right side datasets respectively, very similar to results from closed population models. Estimates of trend revealed strong variation in abundance, peaking in 2009 and [suggesting] fluctuating use in the survey area over time, likely related to the density of their prey. High inter-annual return rates suggest a degree of site-fidelity of individuals to Isla Grande de Chiloé and that the number of whales using this feeding ground is relatively small.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer A. Jackson
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Elsa Cabrera
- Centro de Conservación Cetacea—Casilla 19178 Correo 19, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Robert L. Brownell
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, Monterey, California, United States of America
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Leduc RG, Archer FI, Lang AR, Martien KK, Hancock-Hanser B, Torres-Florez JP, Hucke-Gaete R, Rosenbaum HC, van Waerebeek K, Brownell RL, Taylor BL. Genetic variation in blue whales in the eastern pacific: implication for taxonomy and use of common wintering grounds. Mol Ecol 2016; 26:740-751. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. G. Leduc
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - F. I. Archer
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - A. R. Lang
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - K. K. Martien
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - B. Hancock-Hanser
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - J. P. Torres-Florez
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução; Universidade Federal de São Carlos; Rod. Washington Luis, km 235 São Carlos SP Brazil
- Centro Ballena Azul/Blue Whale Center; Valdivia Chile
| | - R. Hucke-Gaete
- Centro Ballena Azul/Blue Whale Center; Valdivia Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Casilla 567 Valdivia Chile
| | - H. C. Rosenbaum
- Ocean Giants Program; Wildlife Conservation Society - Global Conservation; 2300 Southern Blvd. Bronx NY 10460 USA
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics; American Museum of Natural History; New York NY USA
| | | | - R. L. Brownell
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - B. L. Taylor
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
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Attard CRM, Beheregaray LB, Jenner KCS, Gill PC, Jenner MNM, Morrice MG, Teske PR, Möller LM. Low genetic diversity in pygmy blue whales is due to climate-induced diversification rather than anthropogenic impacts. Biol Lett 2016; 11:20141037. [PMID: 25948571 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Unusually low genetic diversity can be a warning of an urgent need to mitigate causative anthropogenic activities. However, current low levels of genetic diversity in a population could also be due to natural historical events, including recent evolutionary divergence, or long-term persistence at a small population size. Here, we determine whether the relatively low genetic diversity of pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) in Australia is due to natural causes or overexploitation. We apply recently developed analytical approaches in the largest genetic dataset ever compiled to study blue whales (297 samples collected after whaling and representing lineages from Australia, Antarctica and Chile). We find that low levels of genetic diversity in Australia are due to a natural founder event from Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) that occurred around the Last Glacial Maximum, followed by evolutionary divergence. Historical climate change has therefore driven the evolution of blue whales into genetically, phenotypically and behaviourally distinct lineages that will likely be influenced by future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R M Attard
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Luciano B Beheregaray
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - K Curt S Jenner
- Centre for Whale Research, PO Box 1622, Fremantle, Western Australia 6959, Australia
| | - Peter C Gill
- Blue Whale Study, C/- Post Office, Narrawong, Victoria 3285, Australia School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, PO Box 423, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia
| | | | - Margaret G Morrice
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, PO Box 423, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia
| | - Peter R Teske
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia Molecular Zoology Laboratory (Aquatic Division), Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
| | - Luciana M Möller
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
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Zhang W, Luo Z, Zhao M, Wu H. High genetic diversity in the endangered and narrowly distributed amphibian species Leptobrachium leishanense. Integr Zool 2015; 10:465-81. [PMID: 26037662 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Threatened species typically have a small or declining population size, which make them highly susceptible to loss of genetic diversity through genetic drift and inbreeding. Genetic diversity determines the evolutionary potential of a species; therefore, maintaining the genetic diversity of threatened species is essential for their conservation. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of the adaptive major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes in an endangered and narrowly distributed amphibian species, Leptobrachium leishanense in Southwest China. We compared the genetic variation of MHC class I genes with that observed in neutral markers (5 microsatellite loci and cytochrome b gene) to elucidate the relative roles of genetic drift and natural selection in shaping the current MHC polymorphism in this species. We found a high level of genetic diversity in this population at both MHC and neutral markers compared with other threatened amphibian species. Historical positive selection was evident in the MHC class I genes. The higher allelic richness in MHC markers compared with that of microsatellite loci suggests that selection rather than genetic drift plays a prominent role in shaping the MHC variation pattern, as drift can affect all the genome in a similar way but selection directly targets MHC genes. Although demographic analysis revealed no recent bottleneck events in L. leishanense, additional population decline will accelerate the dangerous status for this species. We suggest that the conservation management of L. leishanense should concentrate on maximizing the retention of genetic diversity through preventing their continuous population decline. Protecting their living habitats and forbidding illegal hunting are the most important measures for conservation of L. leishanense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology, International Research Centre of Ecology and Environment, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenhua Luo
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology, International Research Centre of Ecology and Environment, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mian Zhao
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology, International Research Centre of Ecology and Environment, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology, International Research Centre of Ecology and Environment, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
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17
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Torres-Florez JP, Hucke-Gaete R, LeDuc R, Lang A, Taylor B, Pimper LE, Bedriñana-Romano L, Rosenbaum HC, Figueroa CC. Blue whale population structure along the eastern South Pacific Ocean: evidence of more than one population. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:5998-6010. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Torres-Florez
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Casilla 567 Valdivia Chile
- Centro Ballena Azul/Blue Whale Center; Pamplona 58 Silos de Torobayo Valdivia Chile
| | - R. Hucke-Gaete
- Centro Ballena Azul/Blue Whale Center; Pamplona 58 Silos de Torobayo Valdivia Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Casilla 567 Valdivia Chile
| | - R. LeDuc
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - A. Lang
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - B. Taylor
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA; 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla CA USA
| | - L. E. Pimper
- Lab. de Genética de la Estructura Poblacional; Depto. de Ecología; Genética y Evolución; Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, 4to. piso; FCEN; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - L. Bedriñana-Romano
- Centro Ballena Azul/Blue Whale Center; Pamplona 58 Silos de Torobayo Valdivia Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas; Universidad Austral de Chile; Casilla 567 Valdivia Chile
| | - H. C. Rosenbaum
- Ocean Giants Program; Wildlife Conservation Society; 2300 Southern Blvd Bronx NY 10460 USA
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics; American Museum of Natural History; Central Park West at 79th Street New York NY 10024-5192 USA
| | - C. C. Figueroa
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas; Universidad de Talca; 2 Norte 685 Talca Chile
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