1
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Blanchet G, Bellinger MR, Kearns AM, Cortes-Rodriguez N, Masuda B, Campana MG, Rutz C, Fleischer RC, Sutton JT. Reduction of genetic diversity in 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow; Corvus hawaiiensis) between the late 1800s and the late 1900s. J Hered 2024; 115:32-44. [PMID: 37846510 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esad063] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and genomic data are increasingly used to aid conservation management of endangered species by providing insights into evolutionary histories, factors associated with extinction risks, and potential for future adaptation. For the 'Alalā, or Hawaiian crow (Corvus hawaiiensis), genetic concerns include negative correlations between inbreeding and hatching success. However, it is unclear if low genetic diversity and inbreeding depression are consequences of a historical population bottleneck, or if 'Alalā had historically low genetic diversity that predated human influence, perhaps as a result of earlier declines or founding events. In this study, we applied a hybridization-based sequence capture to generate a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset for comparing historical specimens collected in the 1890s, when 'Alalā were more numerous, to samples taken between 1973 and 1998, when 'Alalā population densities were near the lowest documented levels in the wild, prior to all individuals being collected for captive rearing. We found low genome-wide diversity in both sample groups, however, the modern sample group (1973 to 1998 cohort) exhibited relatively fewer polymorphic alleles, a lower proportion of polymorphic loci, and lower observed heterozygosity, consistent with a population decline and potential bottleneck effects. These results combined with a current low population size highlight the importance of continued efforts by conservation managers to mitigate inbreeding and maintain founder representation to preserve what genetic diversity remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Blanchet
- Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W Kāwili St, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720, United States
| | - M Renee Bellinger
- Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W Kāwili St, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720, United States
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, PO Box 44, Hawai'i National Park, Hawai'i 96718, United States
| | - Anna M Kearns
- Center for Conservation Genomics, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC 20008, United States
| | - Nandadevi Cortes-Rodriguez
- Center for Conservation Genomics, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC 20008, United States
| | - Bryce Masuda
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, P.O. Box 39, Volcano, HI 96785, United States
| | - Michael G Campana
- Center for Conservation Genomics, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC 20008, United States
| | - Christian Rutz
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, United Kingdom
| | - Robert C Fleischer
- Center for Conservation Genomics, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC 20008, United States
| | - Jolene T Sutton
- Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W Kāwili St, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720, United States
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2
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Nistelberger HM, Roycroft E, Macdonald AJ, McArthur S, White LC, Grady PGS, Pierson J, Sims C, Cowen S, Moseby K, Tuft K, Moritz C, Eldridge MDB, Byrne M, Ottewell K. Genetic mixing in conservation translocations increases diversity of a keystone threatened species, Bettongia lesueur. Mol Ecol 2023. [PMID: 37715549 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Translocation programmes are increasingly being informed by genetic data to monitor and enhance conservation outcomes for both natural and established populations. These data provide a window into contemporary patterns of genetic diversity, structure and relatedness that can guide managers in how to best source animals for their translocation programmes. The inclusion of historical samples, where possible, strengthens monitoring by allowing assessment of changes in genetic diversity over time and by providing a benchmark for future improvements in diversity via management practices. Here, we used reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) data to report on the current genetic health of three remnant and seven translocated boodie (Bettongia lesueur) populations, now extinct on the Australian mainland. In addition, we used exon capture data from seven historical mainland specimens and a subset of contemporary samples to compare pre-decline and current diversity. Both data sets showed the significant impact of population founder source (whether multiple or single) on the genetic diversity of translocated populations. Populations founded by animals from multiple sources showed significantly higher genetic diversity than the natural remnant and single-source translocation populations, and we show that by mixing the most divergent populations, exon capture heterozygosity was restored to levels close to that observed in pre-decline mainland samples. Relatedness estimates were surprisingly low across all contemporary populations and there was limited evidence of inbreeding. Our results show that a strategy of genetic mixing has led to successful conservation outcomes for the species in terms of increasing genetic diversity and provides strong rationale for mixing as a management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Nistelberger
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Roycroft
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anna J Macdonald
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Shelley McArthur
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren C White
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick G S Grady
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer Pierson
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Colleen Sims
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Saul Cowen
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Craig Moritz
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mark D B Eldridge
- Terrestrial Vertebrates, Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret Byrne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kym Ottewell
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
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3
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Burnett HA, Bieker VC, Le Moullec M, Peeters B, Rosvold J, Pedersen ÅØ, Dalén L, Loe LE, Jensen H, Hansen BB, Martin MD. Contrasting genomic consequences of anthropogenic reintroduction and natural recolonization in high-arctic wild reindeer. Evol Appl 2023; 16:1531-1548. [PMID: 37752961 PMCID: PMC10519417 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic reintroduction can supplement natural recolonization in reestablishing a species' distribution and abundance. However, both reintroductions and recolonizations can give rise to founder effects that reduce genetic diversity and increase inbreeding, potentially causing the accumulation of genetic load and reduced fitness. Most current populations of the endemic high-arctic Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) originate from recent reintroductions or recolonizations following regional extirpations due to past overharvesting. We investigated and compared the genomic consequences of these two paths to reestablishment using whole-genome shotgun sequencing of 100 Svalbard reindeer across their range. We found little admixture between reintroduced and natural populations. Two reintroduced populations, each founded by 12 individuals around four decades (i.e. 8 reindeer generations) ago, formed two distinct genetic clusters. Compared to the source population, these populations showed only small decreases in genome-wide heterozygosity and increases in inbreeding and lengths of runs of homozygosity. In contrast, the two naturally recolonized populations without admixture possessed much lower heterozygosity, higher inbreeding and longer runs of homozygosity, possibly caused by serial population founder effects and/or fewer or more genetically related founders than in the reintroduction events. Naturally recolonized populations can thus be more vulnerable to the accumulation of genetic load than reintroduced populations. This suggests that in some organisms even small-scale reintroduction programs based on genetically diverse source populations can be more effective than natural recolonization in establishing genetically diverse populations. These findings warrant particular attention in the conservation and management of populations and species threatened by habitat fragmentation and loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish A. Burnett
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of BiologyNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
- Department of Natural History, NTNU University MuseumNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Vanessa C. Bieker
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of BiologyNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
- Department of Natural History, NTNU University MuseumNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Mathilde Le Moullec
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of BiologyNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Bart Peeters
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of BiologyNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Jørgen Rosvold
- Department of Terrestrial BiodiversityNorwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)TrondheimNorway
| | | | - Love Dalén
- Centre for PalaeogeneticsStockholmSweden
- Department of Bioinformatics and GeneticsSwedish Museum of Natural HistoryStockholmSweden
- Department of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life SciencesAasNorway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of BiologyNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Brage B. Hansen
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of BiologyNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
- Department of Terrestrial EcologyNorwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)TrondheimNorway
| | - Michael D. Martin
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of BiologyNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
- Department of Natural History, NTNU University MuseumNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
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Sparks AM, Hammers M, Komdeur J, Burke T, Richardson DS, Dugdale HL. Sex-dependent effects of parental age on offspring fitness in a cooperatively breeding bird. Evol Lett 2022; 6:438-449. [PMID: 36579166 PMCID: PMC9783413 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental age can have considerable effects on offspring phenotypes and health. However, intergenerational effects may also have longer term effects on offspring fitness. Few studies have investigated parental age effects on offspring fitness in natural populations while also testing for sex- and environment-specific effects. Further, longitudinal parental age effects may be masked by population-level processes such as the selective disappearance of poor-quality individuals. Here, we used multigenerational data collected on individually marked Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) to investigate the impact of maternal and paternal age on offspring life span and lifetime reproductive success. We found negative effects of maternal age on female offspring life span and lifetime reproductive success, which were driven by within-mother effects. There was no difference in annual reproductive output of females born to older versus younger mothers, suggesting that the differences in offspring lifetime reproductive success were driven by effects on offspring life span. In contrast, there was no association between paternal age and female offspring life span or either maternal or paternal age and male offspring life span. Lifetime reproductive success, but not annual reproductive success, of male offspring increased with maternal age, but this was driven by between-mother effects. No paternal age effects were found on female offspring lifetime reproductive success but there was a positive between-father effect on male offspring lifetime reproductive success. We did not find strong evidence for environment-dependent parental age effects. Our study provides evidence for parental age effects on the lifetime fitness of offspring and shows that such effects can be sex dependent. These results add to the growing literature indicating the importance of intergenerational effects on long-term offspring performance and highlight that these effects can be an important driver of variation in longevity and fitness in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. Sparks
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUnited Kingdom,School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldS10 2TNUnited Kingdom
| | - Martijn Hammers
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningen9712 CPThe Netherlands,Aeres University of Applied SciencesAlmere1325 WBThe Netherlands
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningen9712 CPThe Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldS10 2TNUnited Kingdom
| | - David S. Richardson
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichNR4 7TJUnited Kingdom,Nature SeychellesMahéRepublic of Seychelles
| | - Hannah L. Dugdale
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUnited Kingdom,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningen9712 CPThe Netherlands
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5
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Farquharson KA, McLennan EA, Cheng Y, Alexander L, Fox S, Lee AV, Belov K, Hogg CJ. Restoring faith in conservation action: Maintaining wild genetic diversity through the Tasmanian devil insurance program. iScience 2022; 25:104474. [PMID: 35754729 PMCID: PMC9218385 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation breeding programs aim to maintain 90% wild genetic diversity, but rarely assess functional diversity. Here, we compare both genome-wide and functional diversity (in over 500 genes) of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) within the insurance metapopulation and across the species’ range (64,519 km2). Populations have declined by 80% since 1996 due to a contagious cancer, devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). However, predicted local extinctions have not occurred. Recent suggestions of selection for “resistance” alleles in the wild precipitated concerns that insurance population devils may be unsuitable for translocations. Using 830 wild samples collected at 31 locations between 2012 and 2021, and 553 insurance metapopulation devils, we show that the insurance metapopulation is representative of current wild genetic diversity. Allele frequencies at DFTD-associated loci were not substantially different between captive and wild devils. Methods presented here are valuable for others investigating evolutionary potential in threatened species, particularly ones under significant selective pressures. Developed target capture to assess functional diversity at over 500 genes Fine-scale structure exists in the genetically depauperate Tasmanian devil Insurance metapopulation is representative of wild genetic diversity Allele frequencies at disease-associated loci were similar in captivity to the wild
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elspeth A McLennan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lauren Alexander
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Samantha Fox
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, NRE Tasmania, Hobart, Tas 7001, Australia.,Toledo Zoo, 2605 Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609, USA
| | - Andrew V Lee
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, NRE Tasmania, Hobart, Tas 7001, Australia.,Toledo Zoo, 2605 Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609, USA
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, PO BOX 120551, San Diego, CA 92112, USA
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6
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Whitesel TA, DeHaan PW, Doyle J, Adams BA, Sankovich PM. Evaluating the success of a conservation reintroduction: The case of bull trout in the Wallowa River. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A. Whitesel
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Columbia River Fisheries & Wildlife Conservation Office Vancouver WA USA
| | - Patrick W. DeHaan
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Abernathy Fish Technology Center Longview WA USA
| | | | - Brice A. Adams
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Abernathy Fish Technology Center Longview WA USA
| | - Paul M. Sankovich
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Columbia River Fisheries & Wildlife Conservation Office La Grande OR USA
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7
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Davies CS, Worsley SF, Maher KH, Komdeur J, Burke T, Dugdale HL, Richardson DS. Immunogenetic variation shapes the gut microbiome in a natural vertebrate population. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:41. [PMID: 35256003 PMCID: PMC8903650 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiome (GM) can influence many biological processes in the host, impacting its health and survival, but the GM can also be influenced by the host's traits. In vertebrates, Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes play a pivotal role in combatting pathogens and are thought to shape the host's GM. Despite this-and the documented importance of both GM and MHC variation to individual fitness-few studies have investigated the association between the GM and MHC in the wild. RESULTS We characterised MHC class I (MHC-I), MHC class II (MHC-II) and GM variation in individuals within a natural population of the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis). We determined how the diversity and composition of the GM varied with MHC characteristics, in addition to environmental factors and other host traits. Our results show that the presence of specific MHC alleles, but not MHC diversity, influences both the diversity and composition of the GM in this population. MHC-I alleles, rather than MHC-II alleles, had the greatest impact on the GM. GM diversity was negatively associated with the presence of three MHC-I alleles (Ase-ua3, Ase-ua4, Ase-ua5), and one MHC-II allele (Ase-dab4), while changes in GM composition were associated with the presence of four different MHC-I alleles (Ase-ua1, Ase-ua7, Ase-ua10, Ase-ua11). There were no associations between GM diversity and TLR3 genotype, but GM diversity was positively correlated with genome-wide heterozygosity and varied with host age and field period. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that components of the host's immune system play a role in shaping the GM of wild animals. Host genotype-specifically MHC-I and to a lesser degree MHC-II variation-can modulate the GM, although whether this occurs directly, or indirectly through effects on host health, is unclear. Importantly, if immune genes can regulate host health through modulation of the microbiome, then it is plausible that the microbiome could also influence selection on immune genes. As such, host-microbiome coevolution may play a role in maintaining functional immunogenetic variation within natural vertebrate populations. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charli S Davies
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Sarah F Worsley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Kathryn H Maher
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Nature Seychelles, Roche Caiman, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
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8
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Gilbey J, Soshnina VA, Volkov AA, Zelenina DA. Comparative genetic variability of pink salmon from different parts of their range: native Pacific, artificially introduced White Sea and naturally invasive Atlantic Scottish rivers. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022; 100:549-560. [PMID: 34837402 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Trans-oceanic movement, stocking and subsequent establishment of Pacific pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) into the Atlantic White Sea area have resulted in their spreading further across the northern Atlantic, with spawning being reported in a number of regions within this area. Such expansions of non-native species bring potential risks to the ecosystems in question. It has not yet been established if the spawning events of pink salmon observed are the result of self-sustaining populations in these areas, or are because of repeated invasions of strayers from the White Sea stocks. In 2017 pink salmon were observed in a number of Scottish rivers in historically large numbers. This study set out to examine genetic variation in these fish and compare this to fish in Pacific founder regions and the White Sea translocated populations. A total of 286 samples from Scotland, the Atlantic White Sea, the Pacific Okhotsk region and Northern Pacific Bering Sea were screened using a 1018 bp sequenced region of the Cytochrome b mtDNA gene and 205 of these samples for 13 microsatellites. Significant bottleneck and founder effects were observed in the White Sea stocks in both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, including loss of diversity and changes in haplotype and allele proportions. Scottish fish were indistinguishable from White Sea populations and as such it was not possible to determine if the fish were strayers from this region or returning fish from previous spawning events in Scotland. Therefore, although the fish caught in Scotland have their origins in the White Sea population, it may not be easy to determine whether self-sustaining populations have, or are becoming, established in the UK using genetic analysis and other techniques may need to be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gilbey
- Marine Scotland Science, Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, Pitlochry, UK
| | - Valeriia A Soshnina
- Russian Federal Institute for Fisheries and Oceanography, Moscow, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Volkov
- Russian Federal Institute for Fisheries and Oceanography, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria A Zelenina
- Russian Federal Institute for Fisheries and Oceanography, Moscow, Russia
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9
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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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10
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Fernández-López J, Fernández-Cruz J, Míguez-Soto B. The demographic history of Castanea sativa Mill. in southwest Europe: A natural population structure modified by translocations. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:3930-3947. [PMID: 34101923 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In domesticated species, translocation of materials can alter natural demographic patterns; this may have occurred in Castanea sativa (European chestnut), a species conserved in several refuges, with a long domestication history for nut production. Bayesian analysis of population genetic structure in marginal areas and in the centre of C. sativa range, considering spatial information and making corrections for unbalanced size, allowed visualization of a genetic structure that was subsequently analysed by approximate Bayesian computation to assess its natural demographic history and test the origin of some hypothetical translocated germplasm. We obtained evidence of C. sativa population contraction during the earliest Pleistocene, resulting in a split into eastern (Greek) and western (Italian and Iberian) populations. The northern Iberian population, in the Eurosiberian area, is one of the vestiges that remained after the contraction that split the global Tertiary population. A secondary encounter, occurred from Middle to Upper Pleistocene, which explains the hybrid origin of the Western Mediterranean population present in Italy and in the centre and south of the Iberian Peninsula. It has been demonstrated that a germplasm translocation from Italy to the Central Iberian Range may have occurred. Recent translocations have hybridized with the local northern Iberian population, producing naturalized populations with high diversity. The populations of C. sativa in southwestern Europe have a genetic structure compatible with a natural origin, in which signs of population contractions and expansions caused by climatic oscillations since the Late Miocene have been imprinted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beatriz Míguez-Soto
- Forest Research Centre Lourizán, AGACAL, Xunta de Galicia, Pontevedra, Spain
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11
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Davies CS, Taylor MI, Hammers M, Burke T, Komdeur J, Dugdale HL, Richardson DS. Contemporary evolution of the innate immune receptor gene TLR3 in an isolated vertebrate population. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2528-2542. [PMID: 33949028 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding where genetic variation exists, and how it influences fitness within populations is important from an evolutionary and conservation perspective. Signatures of past selection suggest that pathogen-mediated balancing selection is a key driver of immunogenetic variation, but studies tracking contemporary evolution are needed to help resolve the evolutionary forces and mechanism at play. Previous work in a bottlenecked population of Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) show that functional variation has been maintained at the viral-sensing Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) gene, including one nonsynonymous SNP, resulting in two alleles. Here, we characterise evolution at this TLR3 locus over a 25-year period within the original remnant population of the Seychelles warbler, and in four other derived, populations. Results show a significant and consistent temporal decline in the frequency of the TLR3C allele in the original population, and that similar declines in the TLR3C allele frequency occurred in all the derived populations. Individuals (of both sexes) with the TLR3CC genotype had lower survival, and males - but not females - that carry the TLR3C allele had significantly lower lifetime reproductive success than those with only the TLR3A allele. These results indicate that positive selection on the TLR3A allele, caused by an as yet unknown agent, is driving TLR3 evolution in the Seychelles warbler. No evidence of heterozygote advantage was detected. However, whether the positive selection observed is part of a longer-term pattern of balancing selection (through fluctuating selection or rare-allele advantage) cannot be resolved without tracking the TLR3C allele over an extended time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charli S Davies
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, UK
| | - Martin I Taylor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, UK
| | - Martijn Hammers
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, UK.,Nature Seychelles, Roche Caiman, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
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12
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Sendell-Price AT, Ruegg KC, Robertson BC, Clegg SM. An island-hopping bird reveals how founder events shape genome-wide divergence. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2495-2510. [PMID: 33826187 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
When populations colonize new areas, both strong selection and strong drift can be experienced due to novel environments and small founding populations, respectively. Empirical studies have predominantly focused on the phenotype when assessing the role of selection, and limited neutral-loci when assessing founder-induced loss of diversity. Consequently, the extent to which processes interact to influence evolutionary trajectories is difficult to assess. Genomic-level approaches provide the opportunity to simultaneously consider these processes. Here, we examine the roles of selection and drift in shaping genomic diversity and divergence in historically documented sequential island colonizations by the silvereye (Zosterops lateralis). We provide the first empirical demonstration of the rapid appearance of highly diverged genomic regions following population founding, the position of which are highly idiosyncratic. As these regions rarely contained loci putatively under selection, it is most likely that these differences arise via the stochastic nature of the founding process. However, selection is required to explain rapid evolution of larger body size in insular silvereyes. Reconciling our genomic data with these phenotypic patterns suggests there may be many genomic routes to the island phenotype, which vary across populations. Finally, we show that accelerated divergence associated with multiple founding steps is the product of genome-wide rather than localized differences, and that diversity erodes due to loss of rare alleles. However, even multiple founder events do not result in divergence and diversity levels seen in evolutionary older subspecies, and therefore do not provide a shortcut to speciation as proposed by founder-effect speciation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley T Sendell-Price
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kristen C Ruegg
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Sonya M Clegg
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld, Australia
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13
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Genomic approach for conservation and the sustainable management of endangered species of the Amazon. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0240002. [PMID: 33626057 PMCID: PMC7904187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A broad panel of potentially amplifiable microsatellite loci and a multiplex system were developed for the Amazonian symbol fish species Arapaima gigas, which is currently in high danger of extinction due to the disorderly fishing exploitation. Several factors have contributed to the increase of this threat, among which we highlight the lack of genetic information about the structure and taxonomic status of the species, as well as the lack of accurate tools for evaluation of the effectivity of current management programs. Based on Arapaima gigas’ whole genome, available at the NCBI database (ID: 12404), a total of 95,098 unique perfect microsatellites were identified, including their proposed primers. From this panel, a multiplex system containing 12 tetranucleotide microsatellite markers was validated. These tools are valuable for research in as many areas as bioinformatics, ecology, genetics, evolution and comparative studies, since they are able to provide more accurate information for fishing management, conservation of wild populations and genetic management of aquaculture.
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14
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Conservation priorities in an endangered estuarine seahorse are informed by demographic history. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4205. [PMID: 33603090 PMCID: PMC7892823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83754-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Historical demographic events shape genetic diversity that remains evident in the genomes of contemporary populations. In the case of species that are of conservation concern, this information helps to unravel evolutionary histories that can be critical in guiding conservation efforts. The Knysna seahorse, Hippocampus capensis, is the world's most endangered seahorse species, and it presently survives in only three estuaries on the South African south coast. Factors that contributed to the species becoming endangered are unclear; additionally, the lack of information on whether the three populations should be managed separately because of potential long-term isolation hampers effective management efforts. In the present study, we reconstructed the seahorses' demographic history using a suite of microsatellite loci. We found that the largest population (Knysna Estuary) has colonised the other estuaries relatively recently (< 450 years ago), and that its population size is comparatively large and stable. Neither of the other two populations shows signs of long-term reductions in population size. The high conservation status of the species is thus a result of its limited range rather than historical population declines. Our findings indicate that the long-term survival of H. capensis depends primarily on the successful management of the Knysna population, although the other estuaries may serve as reservoirs of genetic diversity.
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15
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Borzée A, Fong JJ, Nguyen HQ, Jang Y. Large-Scale Hybridisation as an Extinction Threat to the Suweon Treefrog (Hylidae: Dryophytes suweonensis). Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050764. [PMID: 32349428 PMCID: PMC7278489 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A large number of amphibian species are now endangered, mostly because of human activities. An example is land modification, which may bring species that were previously isolated in contact, and allows them to hybridise. Here, we assessed the presence of hybrid individuals between the endangered Suweon treefrog (Dryophytes suweonensis) and the widespread Japanese treefrog (Dryophytes japonicus). We found hybrids to be relatively widespread and present at all populations where the Suweon treefrog occurred. This is important, as it results in an additional threat to the Suweon treefrog. Abstract Amphibians are in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, and human activities play a major role in pushing species towards extinction. Landscape anthropisation has impacts that indirectly threaten species, in addition to the obvious destruction of natural habitats. For instance, land modification may bring human-commensal species in contact with sister-clades from which they were previously isolated. The species in these new contact zones are then able to hybridise to the point of reaching lineage fusion, through which the gene pool of the two species merges and one of the parental lineages becomes extirpated. Here, we documented the patterns of hybridisation between the spatially restricted D. suweonensis and the widespread D. japonicus. On the basis of the analysis of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mitochondrial DNA sequences (404 individuals from 35 sites) and six polymorphic microsatellites (381 individuals from 34 sites), we revealed a generalised, bi-directional, and geographically widespread hybridisation between the two species. Evidence of fertile back-crosses is provided by relatively high numbers of individuals in cyto-nuclear disequilibrium, as well as the presence of hybrid individuals further south than the species distribution limit, determined on the basis of call properties. Hybridisation is an additional threat to the endangered D. suweonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaël Borzée
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Conservation, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China;
| | | | - Hoa Quynh Nguyen
- Department of Life Sciences and Division of EcoScience, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Korea
- Centre for Research and Development of Membrane Technology, Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 10072, Vietnam
| | - Yikweon Jang
- Department of Life Sciences and Division of EcoScience, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Korea
- Correspondence:
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16
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Raj Pant S, Komdeur J, Burke TA, Dugdale HL, Richardson DS. Socio-ecological conditions and female infidelity in the Seychelles warbler. Behav Ecol 2019; 30:1254-1264. [PMID: 31579133 PMCID: PMC6765383 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Within socially monogamous breeding systems, levels of extra-pair paternity can vary not only between species, populations, and individuals, but also across time. Uncovering how different extrinsic conditions (ecological, demographic, and social) influence this behavior will help shed light on the factors driving its evolution. Here, we simultaneously address multiple socio-ecological conditions potentially influencing female infidelity in a natural population of the cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler, Acrocephalus sechellensis. Our contained study population has been monitored for more than 25 years, enabling us to capture variation in socio-ecological conditions between individuals and across time and to accurately assign parentage. We test hypotheses predicting the influence of territory quality, breeding density and synchrony, group size and composition (number and sex of subordinates), and inbreeding avoidance on female infidelity. We find that a larger group size promotes the likelihood of extra-pair paternity in offspring from both dominant and subordinate females, but this paternity is almost always gained by dominant males from outside the group (not by subordinate males within the group). Higher relatedness between a mother and the dominant male in her group also results in more extra-pair paternity-but only for subordinate females-and this does not prevent inbreeding occurring in this population. Our findings highlight the role of social conditions favoring infidelity and contribute toward understanding the evolution of this enigmatic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Raj Pant
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry A Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Nature Seychelles, Roche Caiman, Mahe, Republic of Seychelles
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17
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Jahner JP, Matocq MD, Malaney JL, Cox M, Wolff P, Gritts MA, Parchman TL. The genetic legacy of 50 years of desert bighorn sheep translocations. Evol Appl 2019; 12:198-213. [PMID: 30697334 PMCID: PMC6346675 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation biologists have increasingly used translocations to mitigate population declines and restore locally extirpated populations. Genetic data can guide the selection of source populations for translocations and help evaluate restoration success. Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are a managed big game species that suffered widespread population extirpations across western North America throughout the early 1900s. Subsequent translocation programs have successfully re-established many formally extirpated bighorn herds, but most of these programs pre-date genetically informed management practices. The state of Nevada presents a particularly well-documented case of decline followed by restoration of extirpated herds. Desert bighorn sheep (O. c. nelsoni) populations declined to less than 3,000 individuals restricted to remnant herds in the Mojave Desert and a few locations in the Great Basin Desert. Beginning in 1968, the Nevada Department of Wildlife translocated ~2,000 individuals from remnant populations to restore previously extirpated areas, possibly establishing herds with mixed ancestries. Here, we examined genetic diversity and structure among remnant herds and the genetic consequences of translocation from these herds using a genotyping-by-sequencing approach to genotype 17,095 loci in 303 desert bighorn sheep. We found a signal of population genetic structure among remnant Mojave Desert populations, even across geographically proximate mountain ranges. Further, we found evidence of a genetically distinct, potential relict herd from a previously hypothesized Great Basin lineage of desert bighorn sheep. The genetic structure of source herds was clearly reflected in translocated populations. In most cases, herds retained genetic evidence of multiple translocation events and subsequent admixture when founded from multiple remnant source herds. Our results add to a growing literature on how population genomic data can be used to guide and monitor restoration programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marjorie D. Matocq
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of NevadaRenoNevada
| | - Jason L. Malaney
- Department of BiologyAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTennessee
| | - Mike Cox
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, and Wild Sheep Working GroupWestern Association of Fish and Wildlife AgenciesRenoNevada
| | | | | | - Thomas L. Parchman
- Department of Biology, and Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of NevadaRenoNevada
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18
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du Plessis SJ, Howard-McCombe J, Melvin ZE, Sheppard EC, Russo IRM, Mootoocurpen R, Goetz M, Young RP, Cole NC, Bruford MW. Genetic diversity and cryptic population re-establishment: management implications for the Bojer’s skink (Gongylomorphus bojerii). CONSERV GENET 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-018-1119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Groenewoud F, Kingma SA, Hammers M, Dugdale HL, Burke T, Richardson DS, Komdeur J. Subordinate females in the cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler obtain direct benefits by joining unrelated groups. J Anim Ecol 2018; 87:1251-1263. [PMID: 29750837 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In many cooperatively breeding animals, a combination of ecological constraints and benefits of philopatry favours offspring taking a subordinate position on the natal territory instead of dispersing to breed independently. However, in many species individuals disperse to a subordinate position in a non-natal group ("subordinate between-group" dispersal), despite losing the kin-selected and nepotistic benefits of remaining in the natal group. It is unclear which social, genetic and ecological factors drive between-group dispersal. We aim to elucidate the adaptive significance of subordinate between-group dispersal by examining which factors promote such dispersal, whether subordinates gain improved ecological and social conditions by joining a non-natal group, and whether between-group dispersal results in increased lifetime reproductive success and survival. Using a long-term dataset on the cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), we investigated how a suite of proximate factors (food availability, group composition, age and sex of focal individuals, population density) promote subordinate between-group dispersal by comparing such dispersers with subordinates that dispersed to a dominant position or became floaters. We then analysed whether subordinates that moved to a dominant or non-natal subordinate position, or became floaters, gained improved conditions relative to the natal territory and compared fitness components between the three dispersal strategies. We show that individuals that joined another group as non-natal subordinates were mainly female and that, similar to floating, between-group dispersal was associated with social and demographic factors that constrained dispersal to an independent breeding position. Between-group dispersal was not driven by improved ecological or social conditions in the new territory and did not result in higher survival. Instead, between-group dispersing females often became cobreeders, obtaining maternity in the new territory, and were likely to inherit the territory in the future, leading to higher lifetime reproductive success compared to females that floated. Males never reproduced as subordinates, which may be one explanation why subordinate between-group dispersal by males is rare. Our results suggest that subordinate between-group dispersal is used by females to obtain reproductive benefits when options to disperse to an independent breeding position are limited. This provides important insight into the additional strategies that individuals can use to obtain reproductive benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Groenewoud
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sjouke A Kingma
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn Hammers
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Nature Seychelles, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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20
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Small-scale genetic structure in an endangered wetland specialist: possible effects of landscape change and population recovery. CONSERV GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-1020-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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21
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Grueber CE, Sutton JT, Heber S, Briskie JV, Jamieson IG, Robertson BC. Reciprocal translocation of small numbers of inbred individuals rescues immunogenetic diversity. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:2660-2673. [PMID: 28214377 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Genetic rescue can reduce inbreeding depression and increase fitness of small populations, even when the donor populations are highly inbred. In a recent experiment involving two inbred island populations of the New Zealand South Island robin, Petroica australis, reciprocal translocations improved microsatellite diversity and individual fitness. While microsatellite loci may reflect patterns of genome-wide diversity, they generally do not indicate the specific genetic regions responsible for increased fitness. We tested the effectiveness of this reciprocal translocation for rescuing diversity of two immunogenetic regions: Toll-like receptor (TLR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. We found that the relatively small number of migrants (seven and ten per island) effectively brought the characteristic TLR gene diversity of each source population into the recipient population. However, when migrants transmitted TLR alleles that were already present at high frequency in the recipient population, it was possible for offspring of mixed heritage to have decreased gene diversity compared to recipient population diversity prior to translocation. In contrast to TLRs, we did not observe substantial changes in MHC allelic diversity following translocation, with limited evidence of a decrease in differentiation, perhaps because most MHC alleles were observed at both sites prior to the translocation. Overall, we conclude that small numbers of migrants may successfully restore the diversity of immunogenetic loci with few alleles, but that translocating larger numbers of animals would provide additional opportunity for the genetic rescue of highly polymorphic immunity regions, such as the MHC, even when the source population is inbred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, RMC Gunn Building (B19), NSW 2006, Australia.,San Diego Zoo Global, PO Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112, USA
| | - Jolene T Sutton
- Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 West Kāwili Street, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Sol Heber
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - James V Briskie
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ian G Jamieson
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Bruce C Robertson
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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22
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Bebbington K, Kingma SA, Fairfield EA, Spurgin LG, Komdeur J, Richardson DS. Consequences of sibling rivalry vary across life in a passerine bird. Behav Ecol 2016; 28:407-418. [PMID: 29622918 PMCID: PMC5873840 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have assessed the costs of sibling rivalry in systems where offspring always have competitors, but conclusions about sibling rivalry in these species are restricted to interpreting the cost of changes in the relative level of competition and are often complicated by the expression of potentially costly rivalry related traits. Additionally, the majority of studies focus on early-life sibling rivalry, but the costs of competition can also affect later-life performance. We test a suite of hypothesized immediate (early-life body mass, telomere length, and survival) and delayed (adult reproductive potential and lifespan) costs of sibling rivalry for offspring of differing competitive ability in Seychelles warblers, where most offspring are raised singly and hence competitor success can be compared to a competition-free scenario. Compared to those raised alone, all competing nestlings had lower body mass and weaker competitors experienced reduced survival. However, the stronger competitors appeared to have longer adult breeding tenures and lifespan than those raised alone. We propose that comparisons with competition-free groups, as well as detailed fitness measures across entire lifetimes, are needed to understand the evolution of sibling rivalry and thus individual reproductive strategy in wild systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kat Bebbington
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Behavioural Ecology and Physiological Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjouke A Kingma
- Behavioural Ecology and Physiological Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eleanor A Fairfield
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Lewis G Spurgin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK, and
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural Ecology and Physiological Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Nature Seychelles, PO Box 1310, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
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23
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De Kort H, Mergeay J, Jacquemyn H, Honnay O. Transatlantic invasion routes and adaptive potential in North American populations of the invasive glossy buckthorn, Frangula alnus. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2016; 118:1089-1099. [PMID: 27539599 PMCID: PMC5091722 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcw157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many invasive species severely threaten native biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. One of the most prominent questions in invasion genetics is how invasive populations can overcome genetic founder effects to establish stable populations after colonization of new habitats. High native genetic diversity and multiple introductions are expected to increase genetic diversity and adaptive potential in the invasive range. Our aim was to identify the European source populations of Frangula alnus (glossy buckthorn), an ornamental and highly invasive woody species that was deliberately introduced into North America at the end of the 18th century. A second aim of this study was to assess the adaptive potential as an explanation for the invasion success of this species. METHODS Using a set of annotated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were assigned a putative function based on sequence comparison with model species, a total of 38 native European and 21 invasive North American populations were subjected to distance-based structure and assignment analyses combined with population genomic tools. Genetic diversity at SNPs with ecologically relevant functions was considered as a proxy for adaptive potential. KEY RESULTS Patterns of invasion coincided with early modern transatlantic trading routes. Multiple introductions through transatlantic trade from a limited number of European port regions to American urban areas led to the establishment of bridgehead populations with high allelic richness and expected heterozygosity, allowing continuous secondary migration to natural areas. CONCLUSIONS Targeted eradication of the urban populations, where the highest genetic diversity and adaptive potential were observed, offers a promising strategy to arrest further invasion of native American prairies and forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne De Kort
- Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale du CNRS, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 2 Route du CNRS, FR-09200 Moulis, France
| | - Joachim Mergeay
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Gaverstraat 4, B-9500 Geraardsbergen, Belgium
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Olivier Honnay
- Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
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24
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Gilroy DL, van Oosterhout C, Komdeur J, Richardson DS. Toll-like receptor variation in the bottlenecked population of the endangered Seychelles warbler. Anim Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. L. Gilroy
- School of Biological Sciences; Norwich Research Park; University of East Anglia; Norwich UK
| | - C. van Oosterhout
- School of Environmental Sciences; Norwich Research Park; University of East Anglia; Norwich UK
| | - J. Komdeur
- Behavioural Ecology and Self-Organization; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - D. S. Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences; Norwich Research Park; University of East Anglia; Norwich UK
- Nature Seychelles; Mahe Republic of Seychelles
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25
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Kingma SA, Bebbington K, Hammers M, Richardson DS, Komdeur J. Delayed dispersal and the costs and benefits of different routes to independent breeding in a cooperatively breeding bird. Evolution 2016; 70:2595-2610. [PMID: 27641712 PMCID: PMC5132126 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Why sexually mature individuals stay in groups as nonreproductive subordinates is central to the evolution of sociality and cooperative breeding. To understand such delayed dispersal, its costs and benefits need to be compared with those of permanently leaving to float through the population. However, comprehensive comparisons, especially regarding differences in future breeding opportunities, are rare. Moreover, extraterritorial prospecting by philopatric individuals has generally been ignored, even though the factors underlying this route to independent breeding may differ from those of strict philopatry or floating. We use a comprehensive predictive framework to explore how various costs, benefits and intrinsic, environmental and social factors explain philopatry, prospecting, and floating in Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis). Not only floaters more likely obtained an independent breeding position before the next season than strictly philopatric individuals, but also suffered higher mortality. Prospecting yielded similar benefits to floating but lower mortality costs, suggesting that it is overall more beneficial than floating and strict philopatry. While prospecting is probably individual‐driven, although limited by resource availability, floating likely results from eviction by unrelated breeders. Such differences in proximate and ultimate factors underlying each route to independent breeding highlight the need for simultaneous consideration when studying the evolution of delayed dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjouke A Kingma
- Behavioural & Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700CC, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Kat Bebbington
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Martijn Hammers
- Behavioural & Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David S Richardson
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.,Nature Seychelles, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural & Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Fairfield EA, Hutchings K, Gilroy DL, Kingma SA, Burke T, Komdeur J, Richardson DS. The impact of conservation-driven translocations on blood parasite prevalence in the Seychelles warbler. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29596. [PMID: 27405249 PMCID: PMC4942767 DOI: 10.1038/srep29596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduced populations often lose the parasites they carried in their native range, but little is known about which processes may cause parasite loss during host movement. Conservation-driven translocations could provide an opportunity to identify the mechanisms involved. Using 3,888 blood samples collected over 22 years, we investigated parasite prevalence in populations of Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) after individuals were translocated from Cousin Island to four new islands (Aride, Cousine, Denis and Frégate). Only a single parasite (Haemoproteus nucleocondensus) was detected on Cousin (prevalence = 52%). This parasite persisted on Cousine (prevalence = 41%), but no infection was found in individuals hatched on Aride, Denis or Frégate. It is not known whether the parasite ever arrived on Aride, but it has not been detected there despite 20 years of post-translocation sampling. We confirmed that individuals translocated to Denis and Frégate were infected, with initial prevalence similar to Cousin. Over time, prevalence decreased on Denis and Frégate until the parasite was not found on Denis two years after translocation, and was approaching zero prevalence on Frégate. The loss (Denis) or decline (Frégate) of H. nucleocondensus, despite successful establishment of infected hosts, must be due to factors affecting parasite transmission on these islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor A Fairfield
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Kimberly Hutchings
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle L Gilroy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Sjouke A Kingma
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Nature Seychelles, Centre for Environment and Education, The Sanctuary, PO Box 1310, Roche Caiman, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
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Gilroy D, van Oosterhout C, Komdeur J, Richardson DS. Avian β-defensin variation in bottlenecked populations: the Seychelles warbler and other congeners. CONSERV GENET 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-016-0813-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Adaptive and neutral genetic differentiation among Scottish and endangered Irish red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica). CONSERV GENET 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-016-0810-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Senescence in the wild: Insights from a long-term study on Seychelles warblers. Exp Gerontol 2015; 71:69-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Reynolds MH, Pearce JM, Lavretsky P, Seixas PP, Courtot KN. Microsatellite variation and rare alleles in a bottlenecked Hawaiian Islands endemic: implications for reintroductions. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2015. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Lillie M, Grueber CE, Sutton JT, Howitt R, Bishop PJ, Gleeson D, Belov K. Selection on MHC class II supertypes in the New Zealand endemic Hochstetter's frog. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:63. [PMID: 25886729 PMCID: PMC4415247 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0342-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The New Zealand native frogs, family Leiopelmatidae, are among the most archaic in the world. Leiopelma hochstetteri (Hochstetter's frog) is a small, semi-aquatic frog with numerous, fragmented populations scattered across New Zealand's North Island. We characterized a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II B gene (DAB) in L. hochstetteri from a spleen transcriptome, and then compared its diversity to neutral microsatellite markers to assess the adaptive genetic diversity of five populations ("evolutionarily significant units", ESUs). RESULTS L. hochstetteri possessed very high MHC diversity, with 74 DAB alleles characterized. Extremely high differentiation was observed at the DAB locus, with only two alleles shared between populations, a pattern that was not reflected in the microsatellites. Clustering analysis on putative peptide binding residues of the DAB alleles indicated four functional supertypes, all of which were represented in 4 of 5 populations, albeit at different frequencies. Otawa was an exception to these observations, with only two DAB alleles present. CONCLUSIONS This study of MHC diversity highlights extreme population differentiation at this functional locus. Supertype differentiation was high among populations, suggesting spatial and/or temporal variation in selection pressures. Low DAB diversity in Otawa may limit this population's adaptive potential to future pathogenic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Lillie
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
- San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, USA.
| | - Jolene T Sutton
- Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, USA.
| | | | - Phillip J Bishop
- Department of Biology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Dianne Gleeson
- Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia.
| | - Katherine Belov
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Reynolds RG, Puente-Rolón AR, Platenberg R, Tyler RK, Tolson PJ, Revell LJ. Large divergence and low diversity suggest genetically informed conservation strategies for the endangered Virgin Islands Boa (Chilabothrus monensis). Glob Ecol Conserv 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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454 screening of individual MHC variation in an endemic island passerine. Immunogenetics 2014; 67:149-62. [PMID: 25515684 PMCID: PMC4325181 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) code for receptors that are central to the adaptive immune response of vertebrates. These genes are therefore important genetic markers with which to study adaptive genetic variation in the wild. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has increasingly been used in the last decade to genotype the MHC. However, NGS methods are highly prone to sequencing errors, and although several methodologies have been proposed to deal with this, until recently there have been no standard guidelines for the validation of putative MHC alleles. In this study, we used the 454 NGS platform to screen MHC class I exon 3 variation in a population of the island endemic Berthelot's pipit (Anthus berthelotii). We were able to characterise MHC genotypes across 309 individuals with high levels of repeatability. We were also able to determine alleles that had low amplification efficiencies, whose identification within individuals may thus be less reliable. At the population level we found lower levels of MHC diversity in Berthelot's pipit than in its widespread continental sister species the tawny pipit (Anthus campestris), and observed trans-species polymorphism. Using the sequence data, we identified signatures of gene conversion and evidence of maintenance of functionally divergent alleles in Berthelot's pipit. We also detected positive selection at 10 codons. The present study therefore shows that we have an efficient method for screening individual MHC variation across large datasets in Berthelot's pipit, and provides data that can be used in future studies investigating spatio-temporal patterns and scales of selection on the MHC.
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Spurgin LG, Wright DJ, van der Velde M, Collar NJ, Komdeur J, Burke T, Richardson DS. Museum DNA reveals the demographic history of the endangered Seychelles warbler. Evol Appl 2014; 7:1134-43. [PMID: 25553073 PMCID: PMC4231601 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of evolutionary conservation – how understanding evolutionary forces can help guide conservation decisions – is widely recognized. However, the historical demography of many endangered species is unknown, despite the fact that this can have important implications for contemporary ecological processes and for extinction risk. Here, we reconstruct the population history of the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis) – an ecological model species. By the 1960s, this species was on the brink of extinction, but its previous history is unknown. We used DNA samples from contemporary and museum specimens spanning 140 years to reconstruct bottleneck history. We found a 25% reduction in genetic diversity between museum and contemporary populations, and strong genetic structure. Simulations indicate that the Seychelles warbler was bottlenecked from a large population, with an ancestral Ne of several thousands falling to <50 within the last century. Such a rapid decline, due to anthropogenic factors, has important implications for extinction risk in the Seychelles warbler, and our results will inform conservation practices. Reconstructing the population history of this species also allows us to better understand patterns of genetic diversity, inbreeding and promiscuity in the contemporary populations. Our approaches can be applied across species to test ecological hypotheses and inform conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis G Spurgin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia Norwich, Norfolk, UK ; Behavioural Ecology and Self-organization Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David J Wright
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia Norwich, Norfolk, UK ; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Marco van der Velde
- Behavioural Ecology and Self-organization Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nigel J Collar
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia Norwich, Norfolk, UK ; BirdLife International Cambridge, UK
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural Ecology and Self-organization Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia Norwich, Norfolk, UK ; Nature Seychelles Roche Caiman, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
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