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Kasinsky T, Rosciano N, A. Vianna J, Yorio P, Campagna L. Population structure and connectivity among coastal and freshwater Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) populations from Patagonia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301004. [PMID: 38635529 PMCID: PMC11025793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The genetic identification of evolutionary significant units and information on their connectivity can be used to design effective management and conservation plans for species of concern. Despite having high dispersal capacity, several seabird species show population structure due to both abiotic and biotic barriers to gene flow. The Kelp Gull is the most abundant species of gull in the southern hemisphere. In Argentina it reproduces in both marine and freshwater environments, with more than 100,000 breeding pairs following a metapopulation dynamic across 140 colonies in the Atlantic coast of Patagonia. However, little is known about the demography and connectivity of inland populations. We aim to provide information on the connectivity of the largest freshwater colonies (those from Nahuel Huapi Lake) with the closest Pacific and Atlantic populations to evaluate if these freshwater colonies are receiving immigrants from the larger coastal populations. We sampled three geographic regions (Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts) and employed a reduced-representation genomic approach to genotype individuals for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Using clustering and phylogenetic analyses we found three genetic groups, each corresponding to one of our sampled regions. Individuals from marine environments are more closely related to each other than to those from Nahuel Huapi Lake, indicating that the latter population constitutes the first freshwater Kelp Gull colony to be identified as an evolutionary significant unit in Patagonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Kasinsky
- Centro Para El Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Natalia Rosciano
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente, CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Juliana A. Vianna
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto para el Desarrollo Sustentable, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation (CRG), Millennium Institute of Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Millennium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi), Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pablo Yorio
- Centro Para El Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, CONICET, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
- Wildlife Conservation Society Argentina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Campagna
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
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Norambuena HV, Rivera R, Barros R, Silva R, Peredo R, Hernández CE. Living on the edge: genetic structure and geographic distribution in the threatened Markham's Storm-Petrel ( Hydrobates markhami). PeerJ 2022; 9:e12669. [PMID: 35036151 PMCID: PMC8711276 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, illegal killings, ineffective conservation policies, knowledge gaps and climate change. These threats are particularly troubling in the Procellariiformes (Aves), one of the most endangered bird groups. For “storm-petrels”, their cryptic breeding behavior, asynchrony between populations, and light pollution pose additional threats that contribute to increased mortality.Markham’s Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates markhami), a poorly known migratory species, is a pelagic bird that breeds in dispersed colonies in the Sechura and Atacama Deserts, with asynchronous reproduction between colonies, and is highly affected by artificial lights. Considering its complex conservation scenario and singular breeding, we expected to find narrow habitat distribution conditions, strong geographic genetic structure, and spatially differentiation related to human population activities (e.g., light pollution) and the climate global change. To evaluate these predictions, we analyzed the phylogeography, current and future potential distribution based on mitochondrial gene ND1 and geographic records.The phylogeographic analyses revealed three well-supported clades (i.e., Paracas, Arica, and Salar Grande), and the geographical distribution modeled using an intrinsic conditional model (iCAR) suggests a positive relationship with the mean temperature of the wettest quarter and of the driest quarter, solar radiation, and anthropogenic disturbance. The future predictions under moderate and severe scenarios of global change indicated a drastic distribution area reduction, especially in the southern zone around Tarapacá and Antofagasta in Chile. These suggest a potential loss of unique genetic diversity and the need for conservation actions particularly focused at the edges of the H. markhami distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heraldo V Norambuena
- Centro Bahía Lomas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Concepción, Chile.,Laboratorio de Ecología Evolutiva y Filoinformática, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Reinaldo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Evolutiva y Filoinformática, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Barros
- Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Silva
- Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ronny Peredo
- Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristián E Hernández
- Laboratorio de Ecología Evolutiva y Filoinformática, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, Perú
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Benítez-Benítez C, Otero A, Ford KA, García-Moro P, Donadío S, Luceño M, Martín-Bravo S, Jiménez-Mejías P. An Evolutionary Study of Carex Subg. Psyllophorae (Cyperaceae) Sheds Light on a Strikingly Disjunct Distribution in the Southern Hemisphere, With Emphasis on Its Patagonian Diversification. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:735302. [PMID: 34819937 PMCID: PMC8606891 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.735302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Carex subgenus Psyllophorae is an engaging study group due to its early diversification compared to most Carex lineages, and its remarkable disjunct distribution in four continents corresponding to three independent sections: sect. Psyllophorae in Western Palearctic, sect. Schoenoxiphium in Afrotropical region, and sect. Junciformes in South America (SA) and SW Pacific. The latter section is mainly distributed in Patagonia and the Andes, where it is one of the few Carex groups with a significant in situ diversification. We assess the role of historical geo-climatic events in the evolutionary history of the group, particularly intercontinental colonization events and diversification processes, with an emphasis on SA. We performed an integrative study using phylogenetic (four DNA regions), divergence times, diversification rates, biogeographic reconstruction, and bioclimatic niche evolution analyses. The crown age of subg. Psyllophorae (early Miocene) supports this lineage as one of the oldest within Carex. The diversification rate probably decreased over time in the whole subgenus. Geography seems to have played a primary role in the diversification of subg. Psyllophorae. Inferred divergence times imply a diversification scenario away from primary Gondwanan vicariance hypotheses and suggest long-distance dispersal-mediated allopatric diversification. Section Junciformes remained in Northern Patagonia since its divergence until Plio-Pleistocene glaciations. Andean orogeny appears to have acted as a northward corridor, which contrasts with the general pattern of North-to-South migration for temperate-adapted organisms. A striking niche conservatism characterizes the evolution of this section. Colonization of the SW Pacific took place on a single long-distance dispersal event from SA. The little ecological changes involved in the trans-Pacific disjunction imply the preadaptation of the group prior to the colonization of the SW Pacific. The high species number of the section results from simple accumulation of morphological changes (disparification), rather than shifts in ecological niche related to increased diversification rates (radiation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Benítez-Benítez
- Botany Area, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Ana Otero
- Grainger Bioinformatics Center, Department of Science and Education, The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kerry A. Ford
- Allan Herbarium, Manaaki-Whenua Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Pablo García-Moro
- Department of Biology (Botany), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabina Donadío
- Instituto de Botánica Darwinion (ANCEFN-CONICET), San Isidro, Argentina
| | - Modesto Luceño
- Botany Area, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Santiago Martín-Bravo
- Botany Area, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Pedro Jiménez-Mejías
- Department of Biology (Botany), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Lois NA, Campagna L, Balza U, Polito MJ, Pütz K, Vianna JA, Morgenthaler A, Frere E, Sáenz-Samaniego R, Raya Rey A, Mahler B. Metapopulation dynamics and foraging plasticity in a highly vagile seabird, the southern rockhopper penguin. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:3346-3355. [PMID: 32273992 PMCID: PMC7141044 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Population connectivity is driven by individual dispersal potential and modulated by natal philopatry. In seabirds, high vagility facilitates dispersal yet philopatry is also common, with foraging area overlap often correlated with population connectivity. We assess the interplay between these processes by studying past and current connectivity and foraging niche overlap among southern rockhopper penguin colonies of the coast of southern South America using genomic and stable isotope analyses. We found two distinct genetic clusters and detected low admixture between northern and southern colonies. Stable isotope analysis indicated niche variability between colonies, with Malvinas/Falklands colonies encompassing the species entire isotopic foraging niche, while the remaining colonies had smaller, nonoverlapping niches. A recently founded colony in continental Patagonia differed in isotopic niche width and position with Malvinas/Falklands colonies, its genetically identified founder population, suggesting the exploitation of novel foraging areas and/or prey items. Additionally, dispersing individuals found dead across the Patagonian shore in an unusual mortality event were also assigned to the northern cluster, suggesting northern individuals reach southern localities, but do not breed in these colonies. Facilitated by variability in foraging strategies, and especially during unfavorable conditions, the number of dispersing individuals may increase and enhance the probability of founding new colonies. Metapopulation demographic dynamics in seabirds should account for interannual variability in dispersal behavior and pay special attention to extreme climatic events, classically related to negative effects on population trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás A Lois
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IEGEBA-CONICET) Buenos Aires Argentina
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires (DEGE-FCEyN-UBA) Buenos Aires Argentina
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET) Ushuaia Argentina
| | - Leonardo Campagna
- Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program Cornell Lab of Ornithology Cornell University Ithaca NY USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University Ithaca NY USA
| | - Ulises Balza
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires (DEGE-FCEyN-UBA) Buenos Aires Argentina
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET) Ushuaia Argentina
| | - Michael J Polito
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA USA
| | | | - Juliana A Vianna
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Annick Morgenthaler
- Centro de Investigaciones Puerto Deseado UACO Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz Argentina
| | - Esteban Frere
- Centro de Investigaciones Puerto Deseado UACO Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz Argentina
- Wildlife Conservation Society Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Ricardo Sáenz-Samaniego
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET) Ushuaia Argentina
| | - Andrea Raya Rey
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET) Ushuaia Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Polares Ambiente y Recursos Naturales Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (ICPA-UNTdF) Ushuaia Argentina
- Wildlife Conservation Society Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Bettina Mahler
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IEGEBA-CONICET) Buenos Aires Argentina
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires (DEGE-FCEyN-UBA) Buenos Aires Argentina
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Lombal AJ, O'dwyer JE, Friesen V, Woehler EJ, Burridge CP. Identifying mechanisms of genetic differentiation among populations in vagile species: historical factors dominate genetic differentiation in seabirds. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:625-651. [PMID: 32022401 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the factors underlying the origin and maintenance of genetic variation among populations is crucial for our understanding of their ecology and evolution, and also to help identify conservation priorities. While intrinsic movement has been hypothesized as the major determinant of population genetic structuring in abundant vagile species, growing evidence indicates that vagility does not always predict genetic differentiation. However, identifying the determinants of genetic structuring can be challenging, and these are largely unknown for most vagile species. Although, in principle, levels of gene flow can be inferred from neutral allele frequency divergence among populations, underlying assumptions may be unrealistic. Moreover, molecular studies have suggested that contemporary gene flow has often not overridden historical influences on population genetic structure, which indicates potential inadequacies of any interpretations that fail to consider the influence of history in shaping that structure. This exhaustive review of the theoretical and empirical literature investigates the determinants of population genetic differentiation using seabirds as a model system for vagile taxa. Seabirds provide a tractable group within which to identify the determinants of genetic differentiation, given their widespread distribution in marine habitats and an abundance of ecological and genetic studies conducted on this group. Herein we evaluate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in 73 seabird species. Lack of mutation-drift equilibrium observed in 19% of species coincided with lower estimates of genetic differentiation, suggesting that dynamic demographic histories can often lead to erroneous interpretations of contemporary gene flow, even in vagile species. Presence of land across the species sampling range, or sampling of breeding colonies representing ice-free Pleistocene refuge zones, appear to be associated with genetic differentiation in Tropical and Southern Temperate species, respectively, indicating that long-term barriers and persistence of populations are important for their genetic structuring. Conversely, biotic factors commonly considered to influence population genetic structure, such as spatial segregation during foraging, were inconsistently associated with population genetic differentiation. In light of these results, we recommend that genetic studies should consider potential historical events when identifying determinants of genetic differentiation among populations to avoid overestimating the role of contemporary factors, even for highly vagile taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anicee J Lombal
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - James E O'dwyer
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Vicki Friesen
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, 99 University Avenue, Kingston, OL, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Eric J Woehler
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Hobart, TAS, 7004, Australia
| | - Christopher P Burridge
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
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Dantas GPM, Oliveira LR, Santos AM, Flores MD, de Melo DR, Simeone A, González-Acuña D, Luna-Jorquera G, Le Bohec C, Valdés-Velásquez A, Cardeña M, Morgante JS, Vianna JA. Uncovering population structure in the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) along the Pacific coast at South America. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215293. [PMID: 31075106 PMCID: PMC6510429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The upwelling hypothesis has been proposed to explain reduced or lack of population structure in seabird species specialized in food resources available at cold-water upwellings. However, population genetic structure may be challenging to detect in species with large population sizes, since variation in allele frequencies are more robust under genetic drift. High gene flow among populations, that can be constant or pulses of migration in a short period, may also decrease power of algorithms to detect genetic structure. Penguin species usually have large population sizes, high migratory ability but philopatric behavior, and recent investigations debate the existence of subtle population structure for some species not detected before. Previous study on Humboldt penguins found lack of population genetic structure for colonies of Punta San Juan and from South Chile. Here, we used mtDNA and nuclear markers (10 microsatellites and RAG1 intron) to evaluate population structure for 11 main breeding colonies of Humboldt penguins, covering the whole spatial distribution of this species. Although mtDNA failed to detect population structure, microsatellite loci and nuclear intron detected population structure along its latitudinal distribution. Microsatellite showed significant Rst values between most of pairwise locations (44 of 56 locations, Rst = 0.003 to 0.081) and 86% of individuals were assigned to their sampled colony, suggesting philopatry. STRUCTURE detected three main genetic clusters according to geographical locations: i) Peru; ii) North of Chile; and iii) Central-South of Chile. The Humboldt penguin shows signal population expansion after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), suggesting that the genetic structure of the species is a result of population dynamics and foraging colder water upwelling that favor gene flow and phylopatric rate. Our findings thus highlight that variable markers and wide sampling along the species distribution are crucial to better understand genetic population structure in animals with high dispersal ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele P. M. Dantas
- PPG Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de São Paulo (IB-USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa R. Oliveira
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Amanda M. Santos
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Daniella R. de Melo
- PPG Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Simeone
- Universidad Andrés Bello, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Guillermo Luna-Jorquera
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Céline Le Bohec
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), Strasbourg, France
- Département de Biologie PolaireCentre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), Principality of Monaco, Monaco
| | - Armando Valdés-Velásquez
- Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral y Sostenible (CIDIS) and Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Marco Cardeña
- Programa Punta San Juan (CSA-UPCH), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - João S. Morgante
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de São Paulo (IB-USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana A. Vianna
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Rawlence NJ, Till CE, Easton LJ, Spencer HG, Schuckard R, Melville DS, Scofield RP, Tennyson AJ, Rayner MJ, Waters JM, Kennedy M. Speciation, range contraction and extinction in the endemic New Zealand King Shag complex. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2017; 115:197-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Quillfeldt P, Moodley Y, Weimerskirch H, Cherel Y, Delord K, Phillips RA, Navarro J, Calderón L, Masello JF. Does genetic structure reflect differences in non-breeding movements? A case study in small, highly mobile seabirds. BMC Evol Biol 2017; 17:160. [PMID: 28679381 PMCID: PMC5499058 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-017-1008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In seabirds, the extent of population genetic and phylogeographic structure varies extensively among species. Genetic structure is lacking in some species, but present in others despite the absence of obvious physical barriers (landmarks), suggesting that other mechanisms restrict gene flow. It has been proposed that the extent of genetic structure in seabirds is best explained by relative overlap in non-breeding distributions of birds from different populations. We used results from the analysis of microsatellite DNA variation and geolocation (tracking) data to test this hypothesis. We studied three small (130–200 g), very abundant, zooplanktivorous petrels (Procellariiformes, Aves), each sampled at two breeding populations that were widely separated (Atlantic and Indian Ocean sectors of the Southern Ocean) but differed in the degree of overlap in non-breeding distributions; the wintering areas of the two Antarctic prion (Pachyptila desolata) populations are separated by over 5000 km, whereas those of the blue petrels (Halobaena caerulea) and thin-billed prions (P. belcheri) show considerable overlap. Therefore, we expected the breeding populations of blue petrels and thin-billed prions to show high connectivity despite their geographical distance, and those of Antarctic prions to be genetically differentiated. Results Microsatellite (at 18 loci) and cytochrome b sequence data suggested a lack of genetic structure in all three species. We thus found no relationship between genetic and spatial structure (relative overlap in non-breeding distributions) in these pelagic seabirds. Conclusions In line with other Southern Ocean taxa, geographic distance did not lead to genetic differences between widely spaced populations of Southern Ocean petrel species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-017-1008-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Yoshan Moodley
- Department of Zoology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Republic of South Africa
| | - Henri Weimerskirch
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Karine Delord
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Richard A Phillips
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Joan Navarro
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Luciano Calderón
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Juan F Masello
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Thanou E, Sponza S, Nelson EJ, Perry A, Wanless S, Daunt F, Cavers S. Genetic structure in the European endemic seabird, Phalacrocorax aristotelis, shaped by a complex interaction of historical and contemporary, physical and nonphysical drivers. Mol Ecol 2016; 26:2796-2811. [PMID: 28028864 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Geographically separated populations tend to be less connected by gene flow, as a result of physical or nonphysical barriers preventing dispersal, and this can lead to genetic structure. In this context, highly mobile organisms such as seabirds are interesting because the small effect of physical barriers means nonphysical ones may be relatively more important. Here, we use microsatellite and mitochondrial data to explore the genetic structure and phylogeography of Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of a European endemic seabird, the European shag, Phalacrocorax aristotelis, and identify the primary drivers of their diversification. Analyses of mitochondrial markers revealed three phylogenetic lineages grouping the North Atlantic, Spanish/Corsican and eastern Mediterranean populations, apparently arising from fragmentation during the Pleistocene followed by range expansion. These traces of historical fragmentation were also evident in the genetic structure estimated by microsatellite markers, despite significant contemporary gene flow among adjacent populations. Stronger genetic structure, probably promoted by landscape, philopatry and local adaptation, was found among distant populations and those separated by physical and ecological barriers. This study highlights the enduring effect of Pleistocene climatic changes on shag populations, especially within the Mediterranean Basin, and suggests a role for cryptic northern refugia, as well as known southern refugia, on the genetic structure of European seabirds. Finally, it outlines how contemporary ecological barriers and behavioural traits may maintain population divergence, despite long-distance dispersal triggered by extreme environmental conditions (e.g. population crashes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Thanou
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, GR-26504, Greece.,Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Stefano Sponza
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, I-34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emily J Nelson
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK.,Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Annika Perry
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Sarah Wanless
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Francis Daunt
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
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10
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Transverse Alpine Speciation Driven by Glaciation. Trends Ecol Evol 2016; 31:916-926. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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11
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Rawlence NJ, Paul Scofield R, Spencer HG, Lalas C, Easton LJ, Tennyson AJD, Adams M, Pasquet E, Fraser C, Waters JM, Kennedy M. Genetic and morphological evidence for two species ofLeucocarboshag (Aves, Pelecaniformes, Phalacrocoracidae) from southern South Island of New Zealand. Zool J Linn Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J. Rawlence
- Allan Wilson Centre; Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King Street Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | - Hamish G. Spencer
- Allan Wilson Centre; Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King Street Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Chris Lalas
- Department of Marine Science; University of Otago; 310 Castle Street Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Luke J. Easton
- Allan Wilson Centre; Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King Street Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | - Mark Adams
- Bird Group; Natural History Museum; Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire UK
| | - Eric Pasquet
- Collections d'Oiseaux; Musèum National d'Histoire Naturelle; 57 Rue Cuvier Paris France
| | - Cody Fraser
- Otago Museum; 419 Great King Street Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Jonathan M. Waters
- Allan Wilson Centre; Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King Street Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Martyn Kennedy
- Allan Wilson Centre; Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King Street Dunedin New Zealand
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12
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Coetzer WG, Downs CT, Perrin MR, Willows-Munro S. Molecular systematics of the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus): implications for taxonomy and conservation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133376. [PMID: 26267261 PMCID: PMC4534405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxonomic position of the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus robustus) has been the focus of much debate. A number of authors suggest that the Cape Parrot should be viewed as a distinct species separate from the other two P. robustus subspecies (P. r. fuscicollis and P. r. suahelicus). These recommendations were based on morphological, ecological, and behavioural assessments. In this study we investigated the validity of these recommendations using multilocus DNA analyses. We genotyped 138 specimens from five Poicephalus species (P. cryptoxanthus, P. gulielmi, P. meyeri, P. robustus, and P. rueppellii) using 11 microsatellite loci. Additionally, two mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I gene and 16S ribosomal RNA) and one nuclear intron (intron 7 of the β-fibrinogen gene) markers were amplified and sequenced. Bayesian clustering analysis and pairwise FST analysis of microsatellite data identified P. r. robustus as genetically distinct from the other P. robustus subspecies. Phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses on sequence data also supported the microsatellite analyses, placing P. r. robustus in a distinct clade separate from the other P. robustus subspecies. Molecular clock analysis places the most recent common ancestor between P. r. robustus and P. r. fuscicollis / P. r. suahelicus at 2.13 to 2.67 million years ago. Our results all support previous recommendations to elevate the Cape Parrot to species level. This will facilitate better planning and implementation of international and local conservation management strategies for the Cape Parrot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem G. Coetzer
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Colleen T. Downs
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Mike R. Perrin
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Sandi Willows-Munro
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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13
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Yang C, Lian T, Wang QX, Huang Y, Xiao H. Preliminary study of genetic diversity and population structure of the Relict Gull Larus relictus (Charadriiformes Laridae) using mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2015; 27:4246-4249. [PMID: 25812050 DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2015.1022759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The genetic diversity and the population history of the Relict Gull (Larus relictus) were studied based on the sequences of two mitochondrial genes (Cyt b and ND2) and one nuclear gene (the third intron of the Z-linked muscle-specific kinase gene [MUSK]) from 47 individuals. The results showed that the population expresses very low genetic diversity while lacking large geographical population. Demographic history analysis suggested that population expansion might have been recent and that the average estimated expansion time of L. relictus is from 0.09 to 0.23 Ma BP. Whether the other three breeding subpopulations are involved in the Ordos breeding subpopulation, require further study with more effective molecular markers. The species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and actions to protect it are suggested to improve the population fragmentation of breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- a Shaanxi Institute of Zoology , Xi'an , China
| | - Ting Lian
- b Xi'an Vocational and Technical College , Xi'an , China , and
| | | | - Yuan Huang
- c College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University , Xi'an , China
| | - Hong Xiao
- a Shaanxi Institute of Zoology , Xi'an , China
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14
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Classification of the cormorants of the world. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2014; 79:249-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Rawlence NJ, Till CE, Scofield RP, Tennyson AJD, Collins CJ, Lalas C, Loh G, Matisoo-Smith E, Waters JM, Spencer HG, Kennedy M. Strong phylogeographic structure in a sedentary seabird, the Stewart Island Shag (Leucocarbo chalconotus). PLoS One 2014; 9:e90769. [PMID: 24614677 PMCID: PMC3948693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
New Zealand's endemic Stewart Island Shag (Leucocarbo chalconotus) comprises two regional groups (Otago and Foveaux Strait) that show consistent differentiation in relative frequencies of pied versus dark-bronze morphotypes, the extent of facial carunculation, body size and breeding time. We used modern and ancient DNA (mitochondrial DNA control region one), and morphometric approaches to investigate the phylogeography and taxonomy of L. chalconotus and its closely related sister species, the endemic Chatham Island Shag (L. onslowi). Our analysis shows Leucocarbo shags in southern New Zealand comprise two well-supported clades, each containing both pied and dark-bronze morphs. However, the combined monophyly of these populations is not supported, with the L. chalconotus Otago lineage sister to L. onslowi. Morphometric analysis indicates that Leucocarbo shags from Otago are larger on average than those from Foveaux Strait. Principal co-ordinate analysis of morphometric data showed substantial morphological differentiation between the Otago and Foveaux Strait clades, and L. onslowi. The phylogeographic partitioning detected within L. chalconotus is marked, and such strong structure is rare for phalacrocoracid species. Our phylogenetic results, together with consistent differences in relative proportions of plumage morphs and facial carunculation, and concordant differentiation in body size and breeding time, suggest several alternative evolutionary hypotheses that require further investigation to determine the level of taxonomic distinctiveness that best represents the L. chalconotus Otago and Foveaux Strait clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J. Rawlence
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Charlotte E. Till
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, United States of America
| | | | | | - Catherine J. Collins
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Chris Lalas
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Graeme Loh
- Department of Conservation, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Matisoo-Smith
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan M. Waters
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hamish G. Spencer
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Martyn Kennedy
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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