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Rosing-Asvid A, Löytynoja A, Momigliano P, Hansen RG, Scharff-Olsen CH, Valtonen M, Kammonen J, Dietz R, Rigét FF, Ferguson SH, Lydersen C, Kovacs KM, Holland DM, Jernvall J, Auvinen P, Tange Olsen M. An evolutionarily distinct ringed seal in the Ilulissat Icefjord. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5932-5943. [PMID: 37855154 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The Earth's polar regions are low rates of inter- and intraspecific diversification. An extreme mammalian example is the Arctic ringed seal (Pusa hispida hispida), which is assumed to be panmictic across its circumpolar Arctic range. Yet, local Inuit communities in Greenland and Canada recognize several regional variants; a finding supported by scientific studies of body size variation. It is however unclear whether this phenotypic variation reflects plasticity, morphs or distinct ecotypes. Here, we combine genomic, biologging and survey data, to document the existence of a unique ringed seal ecotype in the Ilulissat Icefjord (locally 'Kangia'), Greenland; a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is home to the most productive marine-terminating glacier in the Arctic. Genomic analyses reveal a divergence of Kangia ringed seals from other Arctic ringed seals about 240 kya, followed by secondary contact since the Last Glacial Maximum. Despite ongoing gene flow, multiple genomic regions appear under strong selection in Kangia ringed seals, including candidate genes associated with pelage coloration, growth and osmoregulation, potentially explaining the Kangia seal's phenotypic and behavioural uniqueness. The description of 'hidden' diversity and adaptations in yet another Arctic species merits a reassessment of the evolutionary processes that have shaped Arctic diversity and the traditional view of this region as an evolutionary freezer. Our study highlights the value of indigenous knowledge in guiding science and calls for efforts to identify distinct populations or ecotypes to understand how these might respond differently to environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ari Löytynoja
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paolo Momigliano
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Immunology, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- Area of Ecology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | | | | | - Mia Valtonen
- Wildlife Ecology Group, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juhana Kammonen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - David M Holland
- Mathematics and Atmosphere/Ocean Science, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jukka Jernvall
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Auvinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Morten Tange Olsen
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Bender AN, Krause DJ, Goebel ME, Hoffman JI, Lewallen EA, Bonin CA. Genetic diversity and demographic history of the leopard seal: A Southern Ocean top predator. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284640. [PMID: 37566609 PMCID: PMC10420386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284640] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) are top predators that can exert substantial top-down control of their Antarctic prey species. However, population trends and genetic diversity of leopard seals remain understudied, limiting our understanding of their ecological role. We investigated the genetic diversity, effective population size and demographic history of leopard seals to provide fundamental data that contextualizes their predatory influence on Antarctic ecosystems. Ninety leopard seals were sampled from the northern Antarctic Peninsula during the austral summers of 2008-2019 and a 405bp segment of the mitochondrial control region was sequenced for each individual. We uncovered moderate levels of nucleotide (π = 0.013) and haplotype (Hd = 0.96) diversity, and the effective population size was estimated at around 24,000 individuals (NE = 24,376; 95% CI: 16,876-33,126). Consistent with findings from other ice-breeding pinnipeds, Bayesian skyline analysis also revealed evidence for population expansion during the last glacial maximum, suggesting that historical population growth may have been boosted by an increase in the abundance of sea ice. Although leopard seals can be found in warmer, sub-Antarctic locations, the species' core habitat is centered on the Antarctic, making it inherently vulnerable to the loss of sea ice habitat due to climate change. Therefore, detailed assessments of past and present leopard seal population trends are needed to inform policies for Antarctic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arona N. Bender
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Department, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, United States of America
| | - Douglas J. Krause
- Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Goebel
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Joseph I. Hoffman
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
- British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Eric A. Lewallen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, United States of America
| | - Carolina A. Bonin
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Department, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, United States of America
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3
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Sundell T, Kammonen JI, Mustanoja E, Biard V, Kunnasranta M, Niemi M, Nykänen M, Nyman T, Palo JU, Valtonen M, Paulin L, Jernvall J, Auvinen P. Genomic evidence uncovers inbreeding and supports translocations in rescuing the genetic diversity of a landlocked seal population. CONSERV GENET 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01497-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AbstractFragmentation of isolated populations increases the risk of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. The endemic Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is one of the most endangered pinnipeds in the world with a population of only ~ 400 individuals. The current genetic diversity of this subspecies, isolated in Lake Saimaa in Finland for ca. 1000 generations, is alarmingly low. We performed whole-genome sequencing on Saimaa ringed seals (N = 30) and analyzed the level of homozygosity and genetic composition across the individual genomes. Our results show that the Saimaa ringed seal population has a high number of runs of homozygosity (RoH) compared with the neighboring Baltic ringed seal (Pusa hispida botnica) reference population (p < 0.001). There is also a tendency for stillborn seal pups to have more pronounced RoH. Since the population is divided into semi-isolated subpopulations within the Lake Saimaa exposing the population to deleterious genomic effects, our results support augmented gene flow as a genetic conservation action. Based on our results suggesting inbreeding depression in the population, we recommend Pihlajavesi as a potential source and Southern Saimaa as a potential recipient subpopulation for translocating individuals. The Saimaa ringed seal is a recognized subspecies and therefore translocations should be considered only within the lake to avoid an unpredictable risk of disease, the introduction of deleterious alleles, and severe ecological issues for the population.
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4
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Liu X, Schjøtt SR, Granquist SM, Rosing-Asvid A, Dietz R, Teilmann J, Galatius A, Cammen K, O Corry-Crowe G, Harding K, Härkönen T, Hall A, Carroll EL, Kobayashi Y, Hammill M, Stenson G, Frie AK, Lydersen C, Kovacs KM, Andersen LW, Hoffman JI, Goodman SJ, Vieira FG, Heller R, Moltke I, Tange Olsen M. Origin and expansion of the world's most widespread pinniped: range-wide population genomics of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Mol Ecol 2022; 31:1682-1699. [PMID: 35068013 PMCID: PMC9306526 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) is the most widely distributed pinniped, occupying a wide variety of habitats and climatic zones across the Northern Hemisphere. Intriguingly, the harbour seal is also one of the most philopatric seals, raising questions as to how it colonised virtually the whole of the Northern Hemisphere. To shed light on the origin, remarkable range expansion, population structure and genetic diversity of this species, we used genotyping-by-sequencing to analyse ~13,500 biallelic SNPs from 286 individuals sampled from 22 localities across the species' range. Our results point to a Northeast Pacific origin, colonisation of the North Atlantic via the Canadian Arctic, and subsequent stepping-stone range expansions across the North Atlantic from North America to Europe, accompanied by a successive loss of genetic diversity. Our analyses further revealed a deep divergence between modern North Pacific and North Atlantic harbour seals, with finer-scale genetic structure at regional and local scales consistent with strong philopatry. The study provides new insights into the harbour seal's remarkable ability to colonise and adapt to a wide range of habitats. Furthermore, it has implications for current harbour seal subspecies delineations and highlights the need for international and national red lists and management plans to ensure the protection of genetically and demographically isolated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Liu
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sandra M Granquist
- Icelandic Seal Centre, Höfðabraut 6, 530, Hvammstangi, Iceland.,Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Institute of Freshwater Fisheries Fornubúðir 5, 220, Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
| | | | - Rune Dietz
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Anders Galatius
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Greg O Corry-Crowe
- Wildlife Evolution and Behavior Program, Florida Atlantic University, USA
| | - Karin Harding
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Ailsa Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, UK, KY16 8LB
| | - Emma L Carroll
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Yumi Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Mike Hammill
- Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 1000, Mont-Joli, QC, Canada
| | - Garry Stenson
- Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 5667, St. John's NL, Canada
| | | | | | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Joseph I Hoffman
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.,British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OET, UK
| | - Simon J Goodman
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Filipe G Vieira
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospitalet, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Heller
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Moltke
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Tange Olsen
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) vocalizations across seasons and habitat types in Svalbard, Norway. Polar Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-021-02874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMale bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) use vocal displays to attract females and to compete with other males during the mating season. This makes it possible to monitor breeding populations of this species using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). This study analysed year-round acoustic data records from AURAL instruments in Svalbard (Norway) to investigate seasonal variation in the acoustic presence of male bearded seals and the phenology of different call types (long, step and sweep trills) at three sites representing a variety of habitats with varied ice conditions. Male bearded seals vocalized for an extended period at a drift-ice site (Atwain; January–July) north of Spitsbergen, while the vocal season was shorter at a High Arctic land-fast-ice site (Rijpfjorden; February–June) and shorter yet again at a west-coast site that has undergone dramatic reductions in sea ice cover over the last 1.5 decades (Kongsfjorden; April–June). Generalized Additive Models showed marked seasonal segregation in the use of different trill types at Atwain, where call rates reached 400 per h, with long trills being the most numerous call type. Modest segregation of trill types was seen at Rijpfjorden, where call rates reached 300 per h, and no segregation occurred in Kongsfjorden (peak call rate 80 per h). Sea ice cover was available throughout the vocal season at Atwain and Rijpfjorden, while at Kongsfjorden peak vocal activity (May–June) occurred after the sea ice disappeared. Ongoing climate warming and sea ice reductions will likely increase the incidence of such mismatches and reduce breeding habitat for bearded seals.
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6
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On the straight and narrow: directed movement by Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) during on-ice travel. Polar Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-021-02811-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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7
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Lang AR, Boveng P, Quakenbush L, Robertson K, Lauf M, Rode KD, Ziel H, Taylor BL. Re-examination of population structure in Arctic ringed seals using DArTseq genotyping. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Arctic ringed seals Phoca hispida hispida are currently abundant and broadly distributed, their numbers are projected to decline substantially by the year 2100 due to climate warming. While understanding population structure could provide insight into the impact of environmental changes on this subspecies, detecting demographically important levels of exchange can be difficult in taxa with high abundance. We used a next-generation sequencing approach (DArTseq) to genotype ~5700 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 79 seals from 4 Pacific Arctic regions. Comparison of the 2 most geographically separated strata (eastern Bering vs. northeastern Chukchi-Beaufort Seas) revealed a statistically significant level of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.001, p = 0.005) that, while small, was 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater than expected based on divergence estimated for similarly sized populations connected by low (1% yr-1) dispersal. A relatively high proportion (72 to 88%) of individuals within these strata could be genetically assigned to their stratum of origin. These results indicate that demographically important structure may be present among Arctic ringed seals breeding in different areas, increasing the risk that declines in the number of seals breeding in areas most negatively affected by environmental warming could occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- AR Lang
- Ocean Associates, Inc., Arlington, VA 22207, USA, under contract to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - P Boveng
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - L Quakenbush
- Arctic Marine Mammal Program, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
| | - K Robertson
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - M Lauf
- Ocean Associates, Inc., Arlington, VA 22207, USA, under contract to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - KD Rode
- Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - H Ziel
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - BL Taylor
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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8
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Seasonal detections of bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) vocalizations in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait in relation to sea ice concentration. Polar Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02723-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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9
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Rexer-Huber K, Veale AJ, Catry P, Cherel Y, Dutoit L, Foster Y, McEwan JC, Parker GC, Phillips RA, Ryan PG, Stanworth AJ, van Stijn T, Thompson DR, Waters J, Robertson BC. Genomics detects population structure within and between ocean basins in a circumpolar seabird: The white-chinned petrel. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:4552-4572. [PMID: 31541577 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Southern Ocean represents a continuous stretch of circumpolar marine habitat, but the potential physical and ecological drivers of evolutionary genetic differentiation across this vast ecosystem remain unclear. We tested for genetic structure across the full circumpolar range of the white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) to unravel the potential drivers of population differentiation and test alternative population differentiation hypotheses. Following range-wide comprehensive sampling, we applied genomic (genotyping-by-sequencing or GBS; 60,709 loci) and standard mitochondrial-marker approaches (cytochrome b and first domain of control region) to quantify genetic diversity within and among island populations, test for isolation by distance, and quantify the number of genetic clusters using neutral and outlier (non-neutral) loci. Our results supported the multi-region hypothesis, with a range of analyses showing clear three-region genetic population structure, split by ocean basin, within two evolutionary units. The most significant differentiation between these regions confirmed previous work distinguishing New Zealand and nominate subspecies. Although there was little evidence of structure within the island groups of the Indian or Atlantic oceans, a small set of highly-discriminatory outlier loci could assign petrels to ocean basin and potentially to island group, though the latter needs further verification. Genomic data hold the key to revealing substantial regional genetic structure within wide-ranging circumpolar species previously assumed to be panmictic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalinka Rexer-Huber
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Parker Conservation, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Andrew J Veale
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Paulo Catry
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Ludovic Dutoit
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yasmin Foster
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - John C McEwan
- Invermay Agricultural Centre, AgResearch, Mosgiel, New Zealand
| | | | - Richard A Phillips
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | | | | | - David R Thompson
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Waters
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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10
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Ferguson SH, Yurkowski DJ, Young BG, Willing C, Zhu X, Muir DCG, Fisk AT, Thiemann GW. Do intraspecific life history patterns follow interspecific predictions? A test using latitudinal variation in ringed seals. POPUL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven H. Ferguson
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - David J. Yurkowski
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Brent G. Young
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Cornelia Willing
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
- Centre for Earth Observation Science University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Xinhua Zhu
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research University of Windsor Windsor Ontario Canada
| | - Derek C. G. Muir
- Environment and Climate Change Canada Aquatic Contaminants Research Division Burlington Ontario Canada
| | - Aaron T. Fisk
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research University of Windsor Windsor Ontario Canada
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11
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Ferguson SH, Zhu X, Young BG, Yurkowski DJ, Thiemann GW, Fisk AT, Muir DC. Geographic variation in ringed seal (Pusa hispida) growth rate and body size. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We summarize geographical patterns in ringed seal (Pusa hispida (Schreber, 1775)) body length and girth growth using 3012 samples collected by Inuit hunters in the eastern Canadian Arctic from 1990 to 2016. Spatial structure was detected using cluster analysis of environmental variables separating a northern region in the eastern Canadian High Arctic and a southern region in Hudson Bay. The north was characterized by more fast ice, multiyear ice, greater snow depth, colder temperatures, and greater sea-ice concentration in the spring seal breeding season. Hierarchical Bayesian models described length and axillary girth growth of northern seals as slower than in the south, reaching asymptotic size 5–7 years later. Northern females were larger than males (asymptotic length of 149 versus 140 cm, respectively) and both were larger than southern seals (males and females 126 cm). We conclude that environmental variation was best represented by regions rather than latitude, regional body size differences were driven by differential growth rates, and northern ringed seals may be characterized by reverse sexual size dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H. Ferguson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Xinhua Zhu
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Brent G. Young
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - David J. Yurkowski
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Gregory W. Thiemann
- Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Aaron T. Fisk
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Derek C.G. Muir
- Environment Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
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12
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Hückstädt LA, McCarthy MD, Koch PL, Costa DP. What difference does a century make? Shifts in the ecosystem structure of the Ross Sea, Antarctica, as evidenced from a sentinel species, the Weddell seal. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20170927. [PMID: 28855359 PMCID: PMC5577480 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of humans to Antarctica's Ross Sea (100+ years ago) led to a slow, but sustained increase in human activities in the area. To investigate if human presence has influenced the structure of the ecosystem over the last century, we compared historical (ca 100 years old) and modern samples of a sentinel species, the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii), using both bulk tissue and compound-specific stable isotope analysis. The historical isotopic niche of Weddell seals was over five times larger than the modern niche. The isotopic values of individual amino acids showed a clear segregation between historical and modern samples, indicative of differences at the base of the trophic web. Further, we found no significant differences in the trophic position of Weddell seals between the two periods. Our study revealed that the Ross Sea has undergone detectable changes (i.e. in the primary producers community) in the last century, but the presence of humans has not disrupted trophic interactions supporting Weddell seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Hückstädt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Matthew D McCarthy
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Paul L Koch
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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13
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Zappes IA, Fabiani A, Sbordoni V, Rakaj A, Palozzi R, Allegrucci G. New data on Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) colonies: A genetic analysis of a top predator from the Ross Sea, Antarctica. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182922. [PMID: 28796829 PMCID: PMC5552091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we studied the genetic variability in Weddell seal from colonies in Terra Nova Bay and Wood Bay, both sites located in the Ross Sea area, Antarctica. Two mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene, with different mutation rates, were sequenced to investigate the haplotype diversity of the colonies and to test for a possible recent expansion. Fifteen microsatellites were used to analyze their genetic structure. Sequenced genes and microsatellites were also used to estimate the effective population size of the studied colonies and the Ross Sea seal population. The Ross Sea has a high density population of Weddel seals, with an estimated effective number of 50,000 females, and 1,341 individuals for the sampling area, possibly due to its high primary production. The colonies showed high diversity (Hd > 0.90) and many exclusive haplotypes (> 75%), likely a consequence of the surprisingly high site fidelity of Weddell seals, despite the proximity of the colonies. Nevertheless, there was low microsatellite differentiation between colonies, suggesting that they are part of a single larger population. Their expansion seemed to have started during the last glacial cycle (around 58,000 years ago), indicating that the Ross Sea seal populations have been present in the area for long time, probably due to the lack of hunting by humans and terrestrial predation. As a top predator, the role of Weddell seals in the Ross Sea ecology is crucial, and its demographic dynamics should be monitored to follow the future changes of such an important ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ighor Antunes Zappes
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Lazio, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Fabiani
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Valerio Sbordoni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Arnold Rakaj
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Roberto Palozzi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Lazio, Italy
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Collins CJ, Chilvers BL, Osborne A, Taylor M, Robertson BC. Unique and isolated: population structure has implications for management of the endangered New Zealand sea lion. CONSERV GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-0969-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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15
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Moon KL, Chown SL, Fraser CI. Reconsidering connectivity in the sub-Antarctic. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2017; 92:2164-2181. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Moon
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton 3800 Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; Australian National University; Acton 2601 Australia
| | - Steven L. Chown
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton 3800 Australia
| | - Ceridwen I. Fraser
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; Australian National University; Acton 2601 Australia
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Viengkone M, Derocher AE, Richardson ES, Malenfant RM, Miller JM, Obbard ME, Dyck MG, Lunn NJ, Sahanatien V, Davis CS. Assessing polar bear ( Ursus maritimus) population structure in the Hudson Bay region using SNPs. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:8474-8484. [PMID: 28031799 PMCID: PMC5167041 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining subpopulations using genetics has traditionally used data from microsatellite markers to investigate population structure; however, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have emerged as a tool for detection of fine‐scale structure. In Hudson Bay, Canada, three polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulations (Foxe Basin (FB), Southern Hudson Bay (SH), and Western Hudson Bay (WH)) have been delineated based on mark–recapture studies, radiotelemetry and satellite telemetry, return of marked animals in the subsistence harvest, and population genetics using microsatellites. We used SNPs to detect fine‐scale population structure in polar bears from the Hudson Bay region and compared our results to the current designations using 414 individuals genotyped at 2,603 SNPs. Analyses based on discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and STRUCTURE support the presence of four genetic clusters: (i) Western—including individuals sampled in WH, SH (excluding Akimiski Island in James Bay), and southern FB (south of Southampton Island); (ii) Northern—individuals sampled in northern FB (Baffin Island) and Davis Strait (DS) (Labrador coast); (iii) Southeast—individuals from SH (Akimiski Island in James Bay); and (iv) Northeast—individuals from DS (Baffin Island). Population structure differed from microsatellite studies and current management designations demonstrating the value of using SNPs for fine‐scale population delineation in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Viengkone
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | | | - Evan Shaun Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division Science and Technology Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - René Michael Malenfant
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada; Department of Biology University of New Brunswick Fredericton NB Canada
| | - Joshua Moses Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Yale University New Haven CT USA
| | - Martyn E Obbard
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Trent University Peterborough ON Canada
| | - Markus G Dyck
- Department of Environment Government of Nunavut Igloolik NU Canada
| | - Nick J Lunn
- Wildlife Research Division Science and Technology Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Vicki Sahanatien
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Corey S Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
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Habitat modelling of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) in the Weddell Sea using the multivariate approach Maxent. Polar Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-016-2020-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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18
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Younger JL, van den Hoff J, Wienecke B, Hindell M, Miller KJ. Contrasting responses to a climate regime change by sympatric, ice-dependent predators. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:61. [PMID: 26975876 PMCID: PMC5477764 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Models that predict changes in the abundance and distribution of fauna under future climate change scenarios often assume that ecological niche and habitat availability are the major determinants of species’ responses to climate change. However, individual species may have very different capacities to adapt to environmental change, as determined by intrinsic factors such as their dispersal ability, genetic diversity, generation time and rate of evolution. These intrinsic factors are usually excluded from forecasts of species’ abundance and distribution changes. We aimed to determine the importance of these factors by comparing the impact of the most recent climate regime change, the late Pleistocene glacial-interglacial transition, on two sympatric, ice-dependent meso-predators, the emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) and Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii). Methods We reconstructed the population trend of emperor penguins and Weddell seals in East Antarctica over the past 75,000 years using mitochondrial DNA sequences and an extended Bayesian skyline plot method. We also assessed patterns of contemporary population structure and genetic diversity. Results Despite their overlapping distributions and shared dependence on sea ice, our genetic data revealed very different responses to climate warming between these species. The emperor penguin population grew rapidly following the glacial-interglacial transition, but the size of the Weddell seal population did not change. The expansion of emperor penguin numbers during the warm Holocene may have been facilitated by their higher dispersal ability and gene flow among colonies, and fine-scale differences in preferred foraging locations. Conclusions The vastly different climate change responses of two sympatric ice-dependent predators suggests that differing adaptive capacities and/or fine-scale niche differences can play a major role in species’ climate change responses, and that adaptive capacity should be considered alongside niche and distribution in future species forecasts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0630-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L Younger
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 129, Hobart, 7001, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - John van den Hoff
- Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, 7050, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Barbara Wienecke
- Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, 7050, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mark Hindell
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 129, Hobart, 7001, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Karen J Miller
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, The UWA Oceans Institute, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Private Bag 5, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7001, Tasmania, Australia
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Carr SM, Duggan AT, Stenson GB, Marshall HD. Quantitative Phylogenomics of Within-Species Mitogenome Variation: Monte Carlo and Non-Parametric Analysis of Phylogeographic Structure among Discrete Transatlantic Breeding Areas of Harp Seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134207. [PMID: 26301872 PMCID: PMC4547794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phylogenomic analysis of highly-resolved intraspecific phylogenies obtained from complete mitochondrial DNA genomes has had great success in clarifying relationships within and among human populations, but has found limited application in other wild species. Analytical challenges include assessment of random versus non-random phylogeographic distributions, and quantification of differences in tree topologies among populations. Harp Seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus Erxleben, 1777) have a biogeographic distribution based on four discrete trans-Atlantic breeding and whelping populations located on "fast ice" attached to land in the White Sea, Greenland Sea, the Labrador ice Front, and Southern Gulf of St Lawrence. This East to West distribution provides a set of a priori phylogeographic hypotheses. Outstanding biogeographic questions include the degree of genetic distinctiveness among these populations, in particular between the Greenland Sea and White Sea grounds. We obtained complete coding-region DNA sequences (15,825 bp) for 53 seals. Each seal has a unique mtDNA genome sequence, which differ by 6 ~ 107 substitutions. Six major clades / groups are detectable by parsimony, neighbor-joining, and Bayesian methods, all of which are found in breeding populations on either side of the Atlantic. The species coalescent is at 180 KYA; the most recent clade, which accounts for 66% of the diversity, reflects an expansion during the mid-Wisconsinan glaciation 40~60 KYA. FST is significant only between the White Sea and Greenland Sea or Ice Front populations. Hierarchal AMOVA of 2-, 3-, or 4-island models identifies small but significant ΦSC among populations within groups, but not among groups. A novel Monte-Carlo simulation indicates that the observed distribution of individuals within breeding populations over the phylogenetic tree requires significantly fewer dispersal events than random expectation, consistent with island or a priori East to West 2- or 3-stepping-stone biogeographic models, but not a simple 1-step trans-Atlantic model. Plots of the cumulative pairwise sequence difference curves among seals in each of the four populations provide continuous proxies for phylogenetic diversification within each. Non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests of maximum pairwise differences between these curves indicates that the Greenland Sea population has a markedly younger phylogenetic structure than either the White Sea population or the two Northwest Atlantic populations, which are of intermediate age and homogeneous structure. The Monte Carlo and K-S assessments provide sensitive quantitative tests of within-species mitogenomic phylogeography. This is the first study to indicate that the White Sea and Greenland Sea populations have different population genetic histories. The analysis supports the hypothesis that Harp Seals comprises three genetically distinguishable breeding populations, in the White Sea, Greenland Sea, and Northwest Atlantic. Implications for an ice-dependent species during ongoing climate change are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Carr
- Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana T. Duggan
- Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Garry B. Stenson
- Wildlife Genetics and Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - H. Dawn Marshall
- Marine Mammals Section, Science Branch, Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans, PO Box 5667, St. John's, Nfld., A1C 5X1, Canada
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20
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Fine-scale matrilineal population structure in the Galapagos fur seal and its implications for conservation management. CONSERV GENET 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-015-0725-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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21
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Pilfold NW, Derocher AE, Stirling I, Richardson E. Multi-temporal factors influence predation for polar bears in a changing climate. OIKOS 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.02000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew E. Derocher
- Dept of Biological Sciences; Univ. of Alberta; Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Ian Stirling
- Dept of Biological Sciences; Univ. of Alberta; Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
- Wildlife Research Division; Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada; Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Evan Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division; Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada; Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
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22
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Stauffer GE, Rotella JJ, Garrott RA, Kendall WL. Environmental correlates of temporary emigration for female Weddell seals and consequences for recruitment. Ecology 2014. [DOI: 10.1890/13-1966.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Valtonen M, Palo JU, Aspi J, Ruokonen M, Kunnasranta M, Nyman T. Causes and consequences of fine-scale population structure in a critically endangered freshwater seal. BMC Ecol 2014; 14:22. [PMID: 25005257 PMCID: PMC4106222 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6785-14-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small, genetically uniform populations may face an elevated risk of extinction due to reduced environmental adaptability and individual fitness. Fragmentation can intensify these genetic adversities and, therefore, dispersal and gene flow among subpopulations within an isolated population is often essential for maintaining its viability. Using microsatellite and mtDNA data, we examined genetic diversity, spatial differentiation, interregional gene flow, and effective population sizes in the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis), which is endemic to the large but highly fragmented Lake Saimaa in southeastern Finland. Results Microsatellite diversity within the subspecies (HE = 0.36) ranks among the lowest thus far recorded within the order Pinnipedia, with signs of ongoing loss of individual heterozygosity, reflecting very low effective subpopulation sizes. Bayesian assignment analyses of the microsatellite data revealed clear genetic differentiation among the main breeding areas, but interregional structuring was substantially weaker in biparentally inherited microsatellites (FST = 0.107) than in maternally inherited mtDNA (FST = 0.444), indicating a sevenfold difference in the gene flow mediated by males versus females. Conclusions Genetic structuring in the population appears to arise from the joint effects of multiple factors, including small effective subpopulation sizes, a fragmented lacustrine habitat, and behavioural dispersal limitation. The fine-scale differentiation found in the landlocked Saimaa ringed seal is especially surprising when contrasted with marine ringed seals, which often exhibit near-panmixia among subpopulations separated by hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. Our results demonstrate that population structures of endangered animals cannot be predicted based on data on even closely related species or subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Valtonen
- Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.
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Olsen MT, Andersen LW, Dietz R, Teilmann J, Härkönen T, Siegismund HR. Integrating genetic data and population viability analyses for the identification of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) populations and management units. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:815-31. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Morten T. Olsen
- Department of Bioscience; Aarhus University; Frederiksborgvej 399 Roskilde DK-4000 Denmark
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; Ole Maaløes Vej 5 Copenhagen N DK-2200 Denmark
- Centre for Geogenetics; Natural History Museum of Denmark; University of Copenhagen; Øster Voldgade 5-7 Copenhagen K 1350 Denmark
| | | | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience; Aarhus University; Frederiksborgvej 399 Roskilde DK-4000 Denmark
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Department of Bioscience; Aarhus University; Frederiksborgvej 399 Roskilde DK-4000 Denmark
| | - Tero Härkönen
- Swedish Museum of Natural History; Box 50007 Stockholm S-10405 Sweden
| | - Hans R. Siegismund
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; Ole Maaløes Vej 5 Copenhagen N DK-2200 Denmark
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25
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Martinez-Bakker ME, Sell SK, Swanson BJ, Kelly BP, Tallmon DA. Combined genetic and telemetry data reveal high rates of gene flow, migration, and long-distance dispersal potential in Arctic ringed seals (Pusa hispida). PLoS One 2013; 8:e77125. [PMID: 24130843 PMCID: PMC3794998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) are broadly distributed in seasonally ice covered seas, and their survival and reproductive success is intricately linked to sea ice and snow. Climatic warming is diminishing Arctic snow and sea ice and threatens to endanger ringed seals in the foreseeable future. We investigated the population structure and connectedness within and among three subspecies: Arctic (P. hispida hispida), Baltic (P. hispida botnica), and Lake Saimaa (P. hispida saimensis) ringed seals to assess their capacity to respond to rapid environmental changes. We consider (a) the geographical scale of migration, (b) use of sea ice, and (c) the amount of gene flow between subspecies. Seasonal movements and use of sea ice were determined for 27 seals tracked via satellite telemetry. Additionally, population genetic analyses were conducted using 354 seals representative of each subspecies and 11 breeding sites. Genetic analyses included sequences from two mitochondrial regions and genotypes of 9 microsatellite loci. We found that ringed seals disperse on a pan-Arctic scale and both males and females may migrate long distances during the summer months when sea ice extent is minimal. Gene flow among Arctic breeding sites and between the Arctic and the Baltic Sea subspecies was high; these two subspecies are interconnected as are breeding sites within the Arctic subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela E. Martinez-Bakker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Biology and Marine Biology Program, University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, Alaska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephanie K. Sell
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Bradley J. Swanson
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Brendan P. Kelly
- Arctic Sciences Section, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - David A. Tallmon
- Biology and Marine Biology Program, University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, Alaska, United States of America
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Schultz JK, Baker JD, Toonen RJ, Harting AL, Bowen BW. Range-wide genetic connectivity of the Hawaiian monk seal and implications for translocation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2011; 25:124-132. [PMID: 21166713 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01615.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is one of the most critically endangered marine mammals. Less than 1200 individuals remain, and the species is declining at a rate of approximately 4% per year as a result of juvenile starvation, shark predation, and entanglement in marine debris. Some of these problems may be alleviated by translocation; however, if island breeding aggregates are effectively isolated subpopulations, moving individuals may disrupt local adaptations. In these circumstances, managers must balance the pragmatic need of increasing survival with theoretical concerns about genetic viability. To assess range-wide population structure of the Hawaiian monk seal, we examined an unprecedented, near-complete genetic inventory of the species (n =1897 seals, sampled over 14 years) at 18 microsatellite loci. Genetic variation was not spatially partitioned ((w) =-0.03, p = 1.0), and a Bayesian clustering method provided evidence of one panmictic population (K =1). Pairwise F(ST) comparisons (among 7 island aggregates over 14 annual cohorts) did not reveal temporally stable, spatial reproductive isolation. Our results coupled with long-term tag-resight data confirm seal movement and gene flow throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago. Thus, human-mediated translocation of seals among locations is not likely to result in genetic incompatibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Schultz
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii, Kaneohe, HI 96744, U.S.A.
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Olsen MT, Volny VH, Bérubé M, Dietz R, Lydersen C, Kovacs KM, Dodd RS, Palsbøll PJ. A simple route to single-nucleotide polymorphisms in a nonmodel species: identification and characterization of SNPs in the Artic ringed seal (Pusa hispida hispida). Mol Ecol Resour 2011; 11 Suppl 1:9-19. [PMID: 21429159 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2010.02941.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morten Tange Olsen
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Toxicology, Stockholm University, Sweden.
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Bennett AM, Keevil M, Litzgus JD. Spatial Ecology and Population Genetics of Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) in Fragmented and Continuous Habitats in Canada. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-0824.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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30
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Heller R, Siegismund HR. Relationship between three measures of genetic differentiation G(ST), D(EST) and G'(ST): how wrong have we been? Mol Ecol 2009; 18:2080-3; discussion 2088-91. [PMID: 19645078 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2009.04185.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Heller
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Abstract
We sequenced a portion (c. 475 bp) of the mitochondrial control region of three species of Antarctic phocid carnivores (Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii, N = 181; crabeater seal, Lobodon carcinophaga, N = 143; and Ross seal, Ommatophoca rossii, N = 41) that live seasonally or permanently in the fast ice and seasonal pack ice of the western Amundsen and Ross seas of western Antarctica. We resolved 251 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.98 to 0.99. Bayesian estimates of Theta from the program LAMARC ranged from 0.075 for Weddell seals to 0.576 for crabeater seals. We used the values of theta to estimate female effective population sizes (N(EF)), which were 40,700 to 63,000 for Weddell seals, 44,400 to 97,800 for Ross seals, and 358,500 to 531,900 for crabeater seals. We used mismatch distributions to test for historical population size expansions. Weddell seals and crabeater seals had significant, unimodal mean pairwise difference distributions (P = 0.56 and 0.36, respectively), suggesting that their populations expanded suddenly around 731,000 years ago (Weddell seals) and around 1.6 million years ago (crabeater seals). Both of these expansions occurred during times of intensified glaciations and may have been fostered by expanding pack ice habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Curtis
- Department of Biology SCA 110, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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32
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History and fate of a small isolated population of Weddell seals at White Island, Antarctica. CONSERV GENET 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-009-9856-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Terhune JM, Quin D, Dell’Apa A, Mirhaj M, Plötz J, Kindermann L, Bornemann H. Geographic variations in underwater male Weddell seal Trills suggest breeding area fidelity. Polar Biol 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-008-0405-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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