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OUP accepted manuscript. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Fedorca A, Ciocirlan E, Pasca C, Fedorca M, Gridan A, Ionescu G. Genetic structure of Eurasian beaver in Romania: insights after two decades from the reintroduction. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-021-01546-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractOnce exploited for fur, meat, and extracting the yellowish exudate called castoreum, the Eurasian beaver disappeared from Romania during the eighteenth century. After, the reintroductions carried out two decades ago are currently thriving in the Danube River basin. Using nine nSSR markers, we analysed samples from 98 individuals, and we found no genetic substructure, suggesting high dispersal and gene flow capabilities. The stepwise mutation model (SMM) indicated the existence of a recent genetic bottleneck, though the Eurasian beaver retains high levels of genetic diversity and population growth facilitated variation in nSSR loci. A fine-scale spatial correlation in females was detected, contrasting with males’ dispersal on longer distances. While the movement and establishment of individuals’ new territories were made under natural predation pressure, the mix following natural expansion improved the fitness and could contribute to a higher genetic diversity than the source population. With any reintroduction, a focus on capturing individuals from various geographic origins, as well as securing many and suitable founding individuals (adults, subadults, and juveniles) with mixed origins, could secure the post-genetic bottleneck recovery and higher genetic diversity. Beyond this conservation success, future management strategies should consider building a National Action Plan (NAP) for the species, including a permanent genetic monitoring programme for Eurasian beaver.
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Campbell-Palmer R, Senn H, Girling S, Pizzi R, Elliott M, Gaywood M, Rosell F. Beaver genetic surveillance in Britain. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Halley DJ, Saveljev AP, Rosell F. Population and distribution of beavers
Castor fiber
and
Castor canadensis
in Eurasia. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan J. Halley
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research PO Box 5685 Sluppen TrondheimNO‐7485 Norway
| | - Alexander P. Saveljev
- Department of Animal Ecology Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming 79 Preobrazhenskaya Str. Kirov610000 Russia
| | - Frank Rosell
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences University of South‐Eastern Norway Gullbringveien 36 Bø i TelemarkNO‐3800 Norway
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Tóth V, Lakatos F. Phylogeographic pattern of the plane leaf miner, Phyllonorycter platani (STAUDINGER, 1870) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Europe. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:135. [PMID: 30189856 PMCID: PMC6127947 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1240-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The plane leaf miner, Phyllonorycter platani is a widely distributed insect species on plane trees and has a well-documented colonisation history in Europe over the last century. However, phylogeographic data of the species are lacking. Results We analysed 284 individuals from 38 populations across Europe, Asia, and North America. A 1242 bp fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene and an 893 bp fragment of the 28S rDNA has been Sanger sequenced. Twenty-four haplotypes were detected on the COI gene, and two alleles were identified on the 28S rDNA. We revealed two distinct clades for both markers reflecting the geographic origins, Asia and Europe. The genetic distance between the two main clades is 2.08% on the COI gene and 0.10% on the nuclear DNA. An overlapping zone of the two clades was found across Eastern Europe and the Anatolian Peninsula. We detected heterozygote individuals of the 28S rDNA gene in Moldavia, Ukraine and in the southern part of Turkey. These suggest that the two clades can hybridise. Furthermore, the presence of European type homozygote individuals has been confirmed in the southern part of Turkey as well. Conclusions We have shown that both post-glacial recolonization and recent expansion events influenced the present genetic structure of P. platani. The genetic patterns revealed at least two refugia during the last ice age: one in the Balkan Peninsula and the other in the Caucasus region. Recent expansion was detected in some European and Central Asian populations. The two main clades (Europe/Asia) show definite genetic differences; however, several hybrid individuals were found in the overlapping zone as well (stretching over Eastern Europe and the Anatolian Peninsula). Discrepancies in mitochondrial and nuclear data indicate introgressions in the southern part of the Anatolian Peninsula. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1240-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Tóth
- Institute of Silviculture and Forest Protection, Faculty of Forestry, University of Sopron, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 4, Sopron, H-9400, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Lakatos
- Institute of Silviculture and Forest Protection, Faculty of Forestry, University of Sopron, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 4, Sopron, H-9400, Hungary.
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Dalapicolla J, Leite YLR. Historical connections among river basins and climatic changes explain the biogeographic history of a water rat. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5333. [PMID: 30065889 PMCID: PMC6065461 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe water ratNectomys squamipes(Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) is a semiaquatic rodent from eastern South America that shows shallow genetic structure across space, according to some studies. We tested the influence of hydrography and climatic changes on the genetic and phylogeographic structure of this semiaquatic small mammal.MethodsDNA sequences of two mitochondrial genetic markers (Cyt b and D-loop) and six microsatellite loci from water rats were collected at 50 localities in five river basins in the Atlantic Forest along the eastern coast of South America. We evaluated the genetic structure within and among river basins, and we estimated divergence dates. Species distribution models for the present and past were built to identify possible gene flow paths.ResultsMitochondrial data and species distribution models showed coherent results. Microsatellite loci showed a more complex pattern of genetic differentiation. The diversification ofN. squamipeshaplotypes occurred during the Pleistocene and the river basin cannot explain most of the genetic structure. We found evidence of population expansion during the last glacial maximum, and gene flow paths indicate historical connections among rivers in the Atlantic Forest.DiscussionHistorical connections among rivers in the Atlantic Forest may have allowedN. squamipesto disperse farther across and within basins, leading to shallow genetic structure. Population expansions and gene flow through the emerged continental shelf during glacial period support the Atlantis forest hypothesis, thus challenging the forest refuge hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeronymo Dalapicolla
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yuri Luiz Reis Leite
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
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Recolonizing lost habitat—how European beavers (Castor fiber) return to south-western Germany. MAMMAL RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-018-0360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Marr MM, Brace S, Schreve DC, Barnes I. Identifying source populations for the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber L. 1758, into Britain: evidence from ancient DNA. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2708. [PMID: 29426903 PMCID: PMC5807398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing true phylogenetic relationships between populations is a critical consideration when sourcing individuals for translocation. This presents huge difficulties with threatened and endangered species that have become extirpated from large areas of their former range. We utilise ancient DNA (aDNA) to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of a keystone species which has become extinct in Britain, the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber. We sequenced seventeen 492 bp partial tRNAPro and control region sequences from Late Pleistocene and Holocene age beavers and included these in network, demographic and genealogy analyses. The mode of postglacial population expansion from refugia was investigated by employing tests of neutrality and a pairwise mismatch distribution analysis. We found evidence of a pre-Late Glacial Maximum ancestor for the Western C. fiber clade which experienced a rapid demographic expansion during the terminal Pleistocene to early Holocene period. Ancient British beavers were found to originate from the Western phylogroup but showed no phylogenetic affinity to any one modern relict population over another. Instead, we find that they formed part of a large, continuous, pan-Western European clade that harbored little internal substructure. Our study highlights the utility of aDNA in reconstructing population histories of extirpated species which has real-world implications for conservation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Marr
- Department of Geography, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum London, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
| | - Selina Brace
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum London, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Danielle C Schreve
- Department of Geography, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Ian Barnes
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum London, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J. Gaywood
- Scottish Natural Heritage; Great Glen House, Leachkin Road Inverness IV3 8NW UK
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10
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Mayer M, Zedrosser A, Rosell F. Couch potatoes do better: Delayed dispersal and territory size affect the duration of territory occupancy in a monogamous mammal. Ecol Evol 2017. [PMID: 28649346 PMCID: PMC5478066 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In territorial, socially monogamous species, the establishment and defense of a territory are an important strategy to maximize individual fitness, but the factors responsible for the duration of territory occupancy are rarely studied, especially in long‐lived mammals. A long‐term monitoring program in southeast Norway spanning over 18 years allowed us to follow the individual life histories of Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) from adolescence in their natal family group to dispersal and territory establishment until the end of territory occupancy. We investigated whether territory size, resource availability, population density, and dispersal age could explain the duration of territory occupancy, which ranged from 1 to 11 years. The duration of territory occupancy was positively related to dispersal age, suggesting that individuals that delayed dispersal had a competitive advantage due to a larger body mass. This is in support with the maturation hypothesis, which states that an animal should await its physical and behavioral maturation before the acquisition of a territory. Further, we found that individuals that established in medium‐sized territories occupied them longer as compared to individuals in small or large territories. This suggests that large territories are more costly to defend due to an increased patrolling effort, and small territories might not have sufficient resources. The lifetime reproductive success ranged from zero to six kits and generally increased with an increasing duration of territory occupancy. Our findings show the importance of holding a territory and demonstrate that dispersal decisions and territory selection have important consequences for the fitness of an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Mayer
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health University College of Southeast Norway Bø i Telemark Norway
| | - Andreas Zedrosser
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health University College of Southeast Norway Bø i Telemark Norway.,Department of Integrative Biology Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna Austria
| | - Frank Rosell
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health University College of Southeast Norway Bø i Telemark Norway
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11
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Doronina L, Matzke A, Churakov G, Stoll M, Huge A, Schmitz J. The Beaver's Phylogenetic Lineage Illuminated by Retroposon Reads. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43562. [PMID: 28256552 PMCID: PMC5335264 DOI: 10.1038/srep43562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Solving problematic phylogenetic relationships often requires high quality genome data. However, for many organisms such data are still not available. Among rodents, the phylogenetic position of the beaver has always attracted special interest. The arrangement of the beaver's masseter (jaw-closer) muscle once suggested a strong affinity to some sciurid rodents (e.g., squirrels), placing them in the Sciuromorpha suborder. Modern molecular data, however, suggested a closer relationship of beaver to the representatives of the mouse-related clade, but significant data from virtually homoplasy-free markers (for example retroposon insertions) for the exact position of the beaver have not been available. We derived a gross genome assembly from deposited genomic Illumina paired-end reads and extracted thousands of potential phylogenetically informative retroposon markers using the new bioinformatics coordinate extractor fastCOEX, enabling us to evaluate different hypotheses for the phylogenetic position of the beaver. Comparative results provided significant support for a clear relationship between beavers (Castoridae) and kangaroo rat-related species (Geomyoidea) (p < 0.0015, six markers, no conflicting data) within a significantly supported mouse-related clade (including Myodonta, Anomaluromorpha, and Castorimorpha) (p < 0.0015, six markers, no conflicting data).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya Doronina
- Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Matzke
- Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gennady Churakov
- Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Monika Stoll
- Core Facility Genomics, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Huge
- Core Facility Genomics, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schmitz
- Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Mayer M, Künzel F, Zedrosser A, Rosell F. The 7-year itch: non-adaptive mate change in the Eurasian beaver. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2259-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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13
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Weeks AR, Stoklosa J, Hoffmann AA. Conservation of genetic uniqueness of populations may increase extinction likelihood of endangered species: the case of Australian mammals. Front Zool 2016; 13:31. [PMID: 27398088 PMCID: PMC4939060 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-016-0163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As increasingly fragmented and isolated populations of threatened species become subjected to climate change, invasive species and other stressors, there is an urgent need to consider adaptive potential when making conservation decisions rather than focussing on past processes. In many cases, populations identified as unique and currently managed separately suffer increased risk of extinction through demographic and genetic processes. Other populations currently not at risk are likely to be on a trajectory where declines in population size and fitness soon appear inevitable. RESULTS Using datasets from natural Australian mammal populations, we show that drift processes are likely to be driving uniqueness in populations of many threatened species as a result of small population size and fragmentation. Conserving and managing such remnant populations separately will therefore often decrease their adaptive potential and increase species extinction risk. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the need for a paradigm shift in conservation biology practise; strategies need to focus on the preservation of genetic diversity at the species level, rather than population, subspecies or evolutionary significant unit. The introduction of new genetic variants into populations through in situ translocation needs to be considered more broadly in conservation programs as a way of decreasing extinction risk by increasing neutral genetic diversity which may increase the adaptive potential of populations if adaptive variation is also increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R. Weeks
- />School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Jakub Stoklosa
- />School of Mathematics & Statistics and Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Ary A. Hoffmann
- />School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
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Genetic monitoring of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in Switzerland and implications for the management of the species. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF THERIOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.15.1.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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15
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About possible ways of genes penetration from West Siberian beavers Castor fiber pohlei into Austria. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF THERIOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.15.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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16
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Beaver trapping in Russia and Belarus and problems of resources management. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF THERIOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.15.1.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Izdebska JN, Fryderyk S, Rolbiecki L. Demodex castoris sp. nov. (Acari: Demodecidae) parasitizing Castor fiber (Rodentia), and other parasitic arthropods associated with Castor spp. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2016; 118:1-10. [PMID: 26865230 DOI: 10.3354/dao02945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A new species of demodecid mite, Demodex castoris sp. nov. (Acari: Prostigmata: Demodecidae), is described based on adult stages from the skin of the nasal region of the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758, collected in Poland. This is the first detection of a representative demodecid mite in rodents of the suborder Castorimorpha and also represents the first detection of a skin mite in Eurasian beavers. The new species is a small skin mite (average 173 µm in length) characterized by sexual dimorphism related to body proportions. D. castoris sp. nov. was observed in 4 out of 6 beavers examined (66.6%), with a mean intensity of 10.8 and an intensity range of 2-23 ind. host(-1). This paper also contains a checklist of parasitic arthropods known from Castor spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna N Izdebska
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
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Giska I, Sechi P, Babik W. Deeply divergent sympatric mitochondrial lineages of the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus are not reproductively isolated. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:217. [PMID: 26438011 PMCID: PMC4595309 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0488-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The accurate delimitation of species is essential to numerous areas of biological research. An unbiased assessment of the diversity, including the cryptic diversity, is of particular importance for the below ground fauna, a major component of global biodiversity. On the British Isles, the epigeic earthworm Lumbricus rubellus, which is a sentinel species in soil ecotoxicology, consists of two cryptic taxa that are differentiated in both the nuclear and the mitochondrial (mtDNA) genomes. Recently, several deeply divergent mtDNA lineages were detected in mainland Europe, but whether these earthworms also constitute cryptic species remains unclear. This information is important from an evolutionary perspective, but it is also essential for the interpretation and the design of ecotoxicological projects. In this study, we used genome-wide RADseq data to assess the reproductive isolation of the divergent mitochondrial lineages of L. rubellus that occur in sympatry in multiple localities in Central Europe. Results We identified five divergent (up to 16 % net p-distance) mitochondrial lineages of L. rubellus in sympatry. Because the clustering of the RADseq data was according to the population of origin and not the mtDNA lineage, reproductive isolation among the mtDNA lineages was not likely. Although each population contained multiple mtDNA lineages, subdivisions within the populations were not observed for the nuclear genome. The lack of fixed differences and sharing of the overwhelming majority of nuclear polymorphisms between localities, indicated that the populations did not constitute allopatric species. The nucleotide diversity within the populations was high, 0.7–0.8 %. Conclusions The deeply divergent mtDNA sympatric lineages of L. rubellus in Central Europe were not reproductively isolated groups. The earthworm L. rubellus, which is represented by several mtDNA lineages in continental Europe, apparently is a single highly polymorphic species rather than a complex of several cryptic species. This study demonstrated the critical importance of the use of multilocus nuclear data for the unbiased assessment of cryptic diversity and for the delimitation of species in soil invertebrates. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0488-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Giska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Pierfrancesco Sechi
- Institute of Ecosystem Study, Sassari, National Research Council, Traversa La Crucca 3, Regione Baldinca, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Wiesław Babik
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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Girling SJ, Campbell-Palmer R, Pizzi R, Fraser MA, Cracknell J, Arnemo J, Rosell F. Haematology and Serum Biochemistry Parameters and Variations in the Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128775. [PMID: 26066344 PMCID: PMC4467035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128775] [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: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Haematology parameters (N = 24) and serum biochemistry parameters (N = 35) were determined for wild Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), between 6 months - 12 years old. Of the population tested in this study, N = 18 Eurasian beavers were from Norway and N = 17 originating from Bavaria but now living extensively in a reserve in England. All blood samples were collected from beavers via the ventral tail vein. All beavers were chemically restrained using inhalant isoflurane in 100% oxygen prior to blood sampling. Results were determined for haematological and serum biochemical parameters for the species and were compared between the two different populations with differences in means estimated and significant differences being noted. Standard blood parameters for the Eurasian beaver were determined and their ranges characterised using percentiles. Whilst the majority of blood parameters between the two populations showed no significant variation, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and white blood cell counts showed significantly greater values (p<0.01) in the Bavarian origin population than the Norwegian; neutrophil counts, alpha 2 globulins, cholesterol, sodium: potassium ratios and phosphorus levels showed significantly (p<0.05) greater values in Bavarian versus Norwegian; and potassium, bile acids, gamma globulins, urea, creatinine and total calcium values levels showed significantly (p<0.05) greater values in Norwegian versus Bavarian relict populations. No significant differences were noted between male and female beavers or between sexually immature (<3 years old) and sexually mature (≥3 years old) beavers in the animals sampled. With Eurasian beaver reintroduction encouraged by legislation throughout Europe, knowledge of baseline blood values for the species and any variations therein is essential when assessing their health and welfare and the success or failure of any reintroduction program. This is the first study to produce base-line blood values and their variations for the Eurasian beaver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Girling
- Veterinary Department, Living Collection, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roisin Campbell-Palmer
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Environmental and Health Studies, Telemark University College, Bø i Telemark, Norway; Conservation Programmes, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Romain Pizzi
- Veterinary Department, Living Collection, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mary A Fraser
- School of Life, Sport and Social Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Cracknell
- Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Hedmark University College, Campus Evenstad, Koppang, Norway; Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Frank Rosell
- Conservation Programmes, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Syrůčková A, Saveljev AP, Frosch C, Durka W, Savelyev AA, Munclinger P. Genetic relationships within colonies suggest genetic monogamy in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). MAMMAL RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-015-0219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Biedrzycka A, Konior M, Babik W, Świsłocka M, Ratkiewicz M. Admixture of two phylogeographic lineages of the Eurasian beaver in Poland. Mamm Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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22
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Senn H, Ogden R, Frosch C, Syrůčková A, Campbell-Palmer R, Munclinger P, Durka W, Kraus RHS, Saveljev AP, Nowak C, Stubbe A, Stubbe M, Michaux J, Lavrov V, Samiya R, Ulevicius A, Rosell F. Nuclear and mitochondrial genetic structure in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) - implications for future reintroductions. Evol Appl 2014; 7:645-62. [PMID: 25067948 PMCID: PMC4105916 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many reintroduction projects for conservation fail, and there are a large number of factors that may contribute to failure. Genetic analysis can be used to help stack the odds of a reintroduction in favour of success, by conducting assessment of source populations to evaluate the possibility of inbreeding and outbreeding depression and by conducting postrelease monitoring. In this study, we use a panel of 306 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers and 487-489 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA control region sequence data to examine 321 individuals from possible source populations of the Eurasian beaver for a reintroduction to Scotland. We use this information to reassess the phylogenetic history of the Eurasian beavers, to examine the genetic legacy of past reintroductions on the Eurasian landmass and to assess the future power of the genetic markers to conduct ongoing monitoring via parentage analysis and individual identification. We demonstrate the capacity of medium density genetic data (hundreds of SNPs) to provide information suitable for applied conservation and discuss the difficulty of balancing the need for high genetic diversity against phylogenetic best fit when choosing source population(s) for reintroduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Senn
- WildGenes Laboratory, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rob Ogden
- WildGenes Laboratory, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christiane Frosch
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Alena Syrůčková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Pavel Munclinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Walter Durka
- Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ Halle, Germany
| | - Robert H S Kraus
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Alexander P Saveljev
- Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming, Russian Academy of Sciences Kirov, Russia
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Annegret Stubbe
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg Institut für Biologie Bereich Zoologie/Molekulare Ökologie Hoher Weg 4 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Stubbe
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg Institut für Biologie Domplatz 4 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Johan Michaux
- Conservation Genetics Unit, Institute of Botany (Bat. 22), University of Liège (Sart Tilman) Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Ravchig Samiya
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology and Biotechnology, National University of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Alius Ulevicius
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vilnius University Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Frank Rosell
- Telemark University College, Department of Environmental Sciences Telemark, Norway
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23
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McEwing R, Frosch C, Rosell F, Campbell-Palmer R. A DNA assay for rapid discrimination between beaver species as a tool for alien species management. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-014-0803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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24
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Frosch C, Kraus RHS, Angst C, Allgöwer R, Michaux J, Teubner J, Nowak C. The genetic legacy of multiple beaver reintroductions in Central Europe. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97619. [PMID: 24827835 PMCID: PMC4020922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The comeback of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) throughout western and central Europe is considered a major conservation success. Traditionally, several subspecies are recognised by morphology and mitochondrial haplotype, each linked to a relict population. During various reintroduction programs in the 20th century, beavers from multiple source localities were released and now form viable populations. These programs differed in their reintroduction strategies, i.e., using pure subspecies vs. mixed source populations. This inhomogeneity in management actions generated ongoing debates regarding the origin of present beaver populations and appropriate management plans for the future. By sequencing of the mitochondrial control region and microsatellite genotyping of 235 beaver individuals from five selected regions in Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium we show that beavers from at least four source origins currently form admixed, genetically diverse populations that spread across the study region. While regional occurrences of invasive North American beavers (n = 20) were found, all but one C. fiber bore the mitochondrial haplotype of the autochthonous western Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). Considering this, as well as the viability of admixed populations and the fact that the fusion of different lineages is already progressing in all studied regions, we argue that admixture between different beaver source populations should be generally accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Frosch
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Gelnhausen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Robert H. S. Kraus
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Christof Angst
- Centre Suisse de Cartographie de la Faune (CSCF), Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Johan Michaux
- Unité de Recherches Zoogéographiques, Institut de Zoologie, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jana Teubner
- Naturschutzstation Zippelsförde, Zippelsförde, Germany
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Gelnhausen, Germany
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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25
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Horn S, Prost S, Stiller M, Makowiecki D, Kuznetsova T, Benecke N, Pucher E, Hufthammer AK, Schouwenburg C, Shapiro B, Hofreiter M. Ancient mitochondrial DNA and the genetic history of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in Europe. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:1717-29. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Horn
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Deutscher Platz 6 Leipzig Germany
| | - Stefan Prost
- Department of Anatomy; Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution; University of Otago; 270 Great King Street Dunedin 9054 New Zealand
- Department of Integrative Biology; University of California; 1005 Valley Life Sciences Bldg. #3140 Berkeley CA 94720-3140 USA
- Department of Biodiversity Informatics and Genetics; Swedish Museum of Natural History; Box 50007 10405 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Mathias Stiller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California Santa Cruz; 1156 High Street Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Daniel Makowiecki
- Institute of Archaeology; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Szosa Bydgoska 44/48 PL 87-100 Toruń Poland
| | - Tatiana Kuznetsova
- Department of Paleontology; Faculty of Geology; Moscow State University; Leninskie Gory 1 MSU Moscow 119991 Russia
| | - Norbert Benecke
- Scientific Department of the Head Office; German Archaeological Institute; Im Dol 2-6 (Haus I) D-14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Erich Pucher
- Department for Zooarchaeology; Natural History Museum Vienna; Burgring 7 A-1010 Vienna Austria
| | - Anne K. Hufthammer
- University Museum Bergen; University of Bergen; Post box 7800 5020 Bergen Norway
| | | | - Beth Shapiro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California Santa Cruz; 1156 High Street Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Michael Hofreiter
- Department of Biology; University of York; Wentworth Way; Heslington York YO31 7SG UK
- Evolutionary and Adaptive Genomics; Institute of Biochemistry and Biology; Faculty of Mathematics and Life Sciences; University of Potsdam; Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25; 14476 Potsdam Germany
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26
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Senn H, Ogden R, Cezard T, Gharbi K, Iqbal Z, Johnson E, Kamps-Hughes N, Rosell F, McEwing R. Reference-free SNP discovery for the Eurasian beaver from restriction site-associated DNA paired-end data. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:3141-50. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Senn
- WildGenes Laboratory; Royal Zoological Society of Scotland; Edinburgh, EH12 6TS UK
| | - Rob Ogden
- WildGenes Laboratory; Royal Zoological Society of Scotland; Edinburgh, EH12 6TS UK
| | - Timothee Cezard
- The GenePool; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, EH9 3JT UK
| | - Karim Gharbi
- The GenePool; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, EH9 3JT UK
| | - Zamin Iqbal
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics; University of Oxford, OX3 7BN; Oxford UK
| | - Eric Johnson
- The Institute of Molecular Biology; 297 Klamath Hall, 1229 University of Oregon; Eugene OR 97403-1229 USA
| | - Nick Kamps-Hughes
- The Institute of Molecular Biology; 297 Klamath Hall, 1229 University of Oregon; Eugene OR 97403-1229 USA
| | - Frank Rosell
- Department of Environmental and Health Studies; Faculty of Arts and Sciences; Telemark University College; 3800 Bø i Telemark Norway
| | - Ross McEwing
- WildGenes Laboratory; Royal Zoological Society of Scotland; Edinburgh, EH12 6TS UK
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27
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Barták V, Vorel A, Šímová P, Puš V. Spatial spread of Eurasian beavers in river networks: a comparison of range expansion rates. J Anim Ecol 2013; 82:587-97. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Barták
- Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Spatial Planning; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; Kamycka 129; Prague 6 - Suchdol; 165 21; Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Vorel
- Department of Ecology; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; Kamycka 129; Prague 6 - Suchdol; 165 21; Czech Republic
| | - Petra Šímová
- Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Spatial Planning; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; Kamycka 129; Prague 6 - Suchdol; 165 21; Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Puš
- Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Spatial Planning; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; Kamycka 129; Prague 6 - Suchdol; 165 21; Czech Republic
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28
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Abstract
In ancient DNA studies focusing on estimating population histories, genetic markers are sequenced from a large number of samples belonging to the same species. Targeting loci of interest using traditional PCR can be time-consuming, in particular when samples are not well preserved and multiple overlapping fragments are required. Here, I describe the process of generating DNA libraries from ancient DNA (aDNA) extracts for high-throughput sequencing. I use a serial in-solution DNA hybridization approach with subsequent bead capture to enrich libraries for the target locus, in this case the mitochondrial control region of ancient beavers (Castor fiber). The resulting sequencing reads are run through quality control filters to obtain reliable consensus sequences. Using these sequences, I construct a phylogenetic tree, which agrees with previously published data regarding phylogeographic relationships among beavers.
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29
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DEWAS M, HERR J, SCHLEY L, ANGST C, MANET B, LANDRY P, CATUSSE M. Recovery and status of native and introduced beavers Castor fiber and Castor canadensis in France and neighbouring countries. Mamm Rev 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2011.00196.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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30
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Laurence S, Coltman DW, Gorrell JC, Schulte-Hostedde AI. Genetic structure of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) and its concordance with taxonomy in North America. J Hered 2011; 102:688-96. [PMID: 21810770 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esr071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extrinsic factors such as physical barriers play an important role in shaping population genetic structure. A reduction in gene flow leading to population structuring may ultimately lead to population divergence. These divergent populations are often considered subspecies. Because genetic differentiation may represent differences between subspecies, patterns of genetic structure should reflect subspecies groupings. In this study, we examine the contemporary population genetic structure of muskrat (n = 331) and assess the relevance of 4 geographically distinct subspecies designations across northern North America using 9 microsatellite loci. We predicted that patterns of gene flow and genetic structure would reflect the described subspecies. We found evidence of genetic differentiation between western and eastern regions, and muskrats from Newfoundland (NF) showed significantly lower genetic diversity than central regions. A strong isolation by distance pattern was also detected within the eastern cluster. Our results did not differentiate Ondatra zibethicus spatulus (northwest) from O. z. albus (central), but they suggest a distinction between O. z. obscurus (NF) and O. z. zibethicus (east). This study highlights the need for more phylogenetic studies in order to better understand intraspecific divergence and the genetic characterization of subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Laurence
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
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31
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Fijarczyk A, Nadachowska K, Hofman S, Litvinchuk SN, Babik W, Stuglik M, Gollmann G, Choleva L, Cogălniceanu D, Vukov T, Džukić G, Szymura JM. Nuclear and mitochondrial phylogeography of the European fire-bellied toads Bombina bombina and Bombina variegata supports their independent histories. Mol Ecol 2011; 20:3381-98. [PMID: 21749513 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2011.05175.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Exact location and number of glacial refugia still remain unclear for many European cold-blooded terrestrial vertebrates. We performed a fine-scaled multilocus phylogeographic analysis of two Bombina species combining mitochondrial variation of 950 toads from 385 sites and nuclear genes (Rag-1, Ncx-1) from a subset of samples to reconstruct their colonization and contemporary variation patterns. We identified the lowlands northwest of the Black Sea and the Carpathians to be important refugial areas for B. bombina and B. variegata, respectively. This result emphasizes the importance of Central European refugia for ectothermic terrestrial species, far north of the Mediterranean areas regarded as exclusive glacial refugia for the animals. Additional refugia for B. variegata have been located in the southern Apennines and Balkans. In contrast, no evidence for the importance of other east European plains as refugial regions has been found. The distribution of mtDNA and Ncx-1 variation suggests the presence of local refugia near the Black Sea for B. bombina; however, coalescent simulations did not allow to distinguish whether one or two refugia were present in the region. Strong genetic drift apparently accompanied postglacial expansions reducing diversity in the colonization areas. Extended sampling, coupled with the multilocus isolation with migration analysis, revealed a limited and geographically restricted gene flow from the Balkan to Carpathian populations of B. variegata. However, despite proximity of inferred B. bombina and B. variegata refugia, gene exchange between them was not detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fijarczyk
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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32
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Korablev NP, Korablev MP, Korablev PN. Introduction of alien species and microevolution: The European beaver, raccoon dog, and American mink. BIOL BULL+ 2011. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359011020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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33
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Horn S, Durka W, Wolf R, Ermala A, Stubbe A, Stubbe M, Hofreiter M. Mitochondrial genomes reveal slow rates of molecular evolution and the timing of speciation in beavers (Castor), one of the largest rodent species. PLoS One 2011; 6:e14622. [PMID: 21307956 PMCID: PMC3030560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Beavers are one of the largest and ecologically most distinct rodent species. Little is known about their evolution and even their closest phylogenetic relatives have not yet been identified with certainty. Similarly, little is known about the timing of divergence events within the genus Castor. Methodology/Principal Findings We sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes from both extant beaver species and used these sequences to place beavers in the phylogenetic tree of rodents and date their divergence from other rodents as well as the divergence events within the genus Castor. Our analyses support the phylogenetic position of beavers as a sister lineage to the scaly tailed squirrel Anomalurus within the mouse related clade. Molecular dating places the divergence time of the lineages leading to beavers and Anomalurus as early as around 54 million years ago (mya). The living beaver species, Castor canadensis from North America and Castor fiber from Eurasia, although similar in appearance, appear to have diverged from a common ancestor more than seven mya. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that a migration of Castor from Eurasia to North America as early as 7.5 mya could have initiated their speciation. We date the common ancestor of the extant Eurasian beaver relict populations to around 210,000 years ago, much earlier than previously thought. Finally, the substitution rate of Castor mitochondrial DNA is considerably lower than that of other rodents. We found evidence that this is correlated with the longer life span of beavers compared to other rodents. Conclusions/Significance A phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genome sequences suggests a sister-group relationship between Castor and Anomalurus, and allows molecular dating of species divergence in congruence with paleontological data. The implementation of a relaxed molecular clock enabled us to estimate mitochondrial substitution rates and to evaluate the effect of life history traits on it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Horn
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
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34
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First set of microsatellite markers for genetic characterization of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) based on tissue and hair samples. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-010-0486-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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35
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Re-evaluation of Sinocastor (Rodentia: Castoridae) with implications on the origin of modern beavers. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13990. [PMID: 21085579 PMCID: PMC2981558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The extant beaver, Castor, has played an important role shaping landscapes and ecosystems in Eurasia and North America, yet the origins and early evolution of this lineage remain poorly understood. Here we use a geometric morphometric approach to help re-evaluate the phylogenetic affinities of a fossil skull from the Late Miocene of China. This specimen was originally considered Sinocastor, and later transferred to Castor. The aim of this study was to determine whether this form is an early member of Castor, or if it represents a lineage outside of Castor. The specimen was compared to 38 specimens of modern Castor (both C. canadensis and C. fiber) as well as fossil specimens of C. fiber (Pleistocene), C. californicus (Pliocene) and the early castorids Steneofiber eseri (early Miocene). The results show that the specimen falls outside the Castor morphospace and that compared to Castor, Sinocastor possesses a: 1) narrower post-orbital constriction, 2) anteroposteriorly shortened basioccipital depression, 3) shortened incisive foramen, 4) more posteriorly located palatine foramen, 5) longer rostrum, and 6) longer braincase. Also the specimen shows a much shallower basiocciptal depression than what is seen in living Castor, as well as prominently rooted molars. We conclude that Sinocastor is a valid genus. Given the prevalence of apparently primitive traits, Sinocastor might be a near relative of the lineage that gave rise to Castor, implying a possible Asiatic origin for Castor.
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36
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HALLEY DJ. Sourcing Eurasian beaver Castor fiber stock for reintroductions in Great Britain and Western Europe. Mamm Rev 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2010.00167.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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37
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Flanders J, Jones G, Benda P, Dietz C, Zhang S, Li G, Sharifi M, Rossiter SJ. Phylogeography of the greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum: contrasting results from mitochondrial and microsatellite data. Mol Ecol 2009; 18:306-18. [PMID: 19192181 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2008.04021.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phylogeographical studies are typically based on haplotype data, occasionally on nuclear markers such as microsatellites, but rarely combine both. This is unfortunate because the use of markers with contrasting modes of inheritance and rates of evolution might provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of a species' history. Here we present a detailed study of the phylogeography of the greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, using 1098 bp of the mitochondrial ND2 gene from 45 localities from across its Palaearctic range to infer population history. In addition, we re-analysed a large microsatellite data set available for this species and compared the results of both markers to infer population relationships and the historical processes influencing them. We show that mtDNA, the most popular marker in phylogeography studies, yielded a misleading result, and would have led us to conclude erroneously that a single expansion had taken place in Europe. Only by combining the mitochondrial and microsatellite data sets are we able to reconstruct the species' history and show two colonization events in Europe, one before the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and one after it. Combining markers also revealed the importance of Asia Minor as an ancient refugium for this species and a source population for the expansion of the greater horseshoe bat into Europe before the LGM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Flanders
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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38
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Goüy de Bellocq J, Charbonnel N, Morand S. Coevolutionary relationship between helminth diversity and MHC class II polymorphism in rodents. J Evol Biol 2008; 21:1144-50. [PMID: 18462313 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01538.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Parasite-mediated selection on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes has mainly been explored at the intraspecific level, although many molecular studies have revealed trans-species polymorphism. Interspecific patterns of MHC diversity might reveal factors responsible for the long-term evolution of MHC polymorphism. We hypothesize that host taxa harbouring high parasite diversity should exhibit high levels of MHC genetic diversity. We test this assumption using data on rodent species and their helminth parasites compiled from the literature. Controlling for similarity due to common descent, we present evidence indicating that high helminth species richness in rodent species is associated with increased MHC class II polymorphism. Our results are consistent with the idea that parasites sharing a long-term coevolutionary history with their hosts are the agents of selection explaining MHC polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Goüy de Bellocq
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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39
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Assessing genetic variation and population structure of invasive North American beaver (Castor Canadensis Kuhl, 1820) in Tierra Del Fuego (Argentina). Biol Invasions 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-007-9161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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40
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Cosson L, Grassman LL, Zubaid A, Vellayan S, Tillier A, Veron G. Genetic diversity of captive binturongs (Arctictis binturong, Viverridae, Carnivora): implications for conservation. J Zool (1987) 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00209.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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41
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Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, coding molecules which play an important role in immune response, are the most polymorphic genes known in vertebrates. However, MHC polymorphism in some species is limited. MHC monomorphism at several MHC class I and II loci was previously reported for two neighbouring northern European populations of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) and reduced selection for polymorphism has been hypothesized. Here, we analysed a partial sequence of the second exon of the MHC II DRB locus from seven relict European and Asian beaver populations. We detected 10 unique alleles among 76 beavers analysed. Only a western Siberian population was polymorphic, with four alleles detected in 10 individuals. Each of the remaining populations was fixed for a different allele. Sequences showed considerable divergence, suggesting the long persistence of allelic lineages. A significant excess of nonsynonymous substitutions was detected at the antigen binding sites, indicating that sequence evolution of beaver DRB was driven by positive selection. Current MHC monomorphism in the majority of populations may be the result of the superimposition of the recent bottleneck on pre-existing genetic structure resulting from population subdivision and differential pathogen pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Babik
- Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Department of Community Ecology, Theodor-Lieser-Strasse 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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