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2,445 results for “Genetics: population”
Data from: Relict stands of Central European oaks: unravelling autochthony and genetic structure based on a multi-population study
<p><span>Central European white oaks expanded rapidly after the last glacial period and reached their current distribution range during the early Holocene. They have been an important resource of timber, fuelwood and animal feed for humans, who actively promoted their presence in forests and other landscape types at least since the early historical times. Besides stands with intensive management, putatively relict populations of three native oak species can be found on unproductive sites with restricted accessibility. Here, we apply chloroplast and nuclear microsatellite markers in order to address the autochthony of relict and managed stands and compare the spatial distribution of genetic variation between them. Based on data from more than 150 populations, we demonstrate that oak autochthony was preserved throughout historical times which is likely the result of traditional silvicultural treatment. This is supported by the fact that the spatial pattern of chloroplast haplotype distribution still reflects the post-glacial recolonization in both relict and old managed stands. We observed significant admixture of haplotypes only in stands established after the Second World War, which is attributable to the transfer of reproductive material used for afforestation. In terms of nuclear genetic variation, we observed marked differences among species. <em>Quercus</em> <em>pubescens</em> exhibited a pronounced genetic structure. Genetic drift and limited gene flow among its small and isolated populations in our study area might have contributed to this pattern. Varying extent of genetic introgression with other sympatric oak species could offer an additional explanation. On the contrary, the gene pools of <em>Q. petraea </em>and<em> Q. robur</em> are highly homogenous, displaying only weak isolation-by-distance. We found no significant differences of genetic diversity and differentiation between relict and managed stands. This suggests that seed transfer mostly occurred within our study area, even in those stands established in post-war times, verifying previous findings that point out limited human interference. We recommend consideration of population genetic structure for gene conservation, with a finer resolution of gene conservation units needed for <em>Q. pubescens </em>due to its spatial genetic structure. Both relict and old managed stands, species-pure or mixed, are suitable for conservation, as they host autochthonous gene pools. Coppice-with-standard management could contribute to preservation of autochthony. In the face of climate change, it is also important to maintain the evolutionary potential of the stands, by facilitating generative reproduction and allowing for hybridization in mixed stands.</span></p>
Data from: Genetic signatures of lineage fusion closely resemble population decline
<p>Accurate interpretation of the genetic signatures of past demographic events is crucial for reconstructing evolutionary history. Lineage fusion (complete merging, resulting in a single panmictic population) is a special case of secondary contact that is seldom considered. Here, the circumstances under which lineage fusion can be distinguished from population size constancy, growth, bottleneck, and decline were investigated. Multi-locus haplotype data were simulated under models of lineage fusion with different divergence versus sampling lag times (D:L ratios). These pseudo-observed datasets also differed in their allocation of a fixed amount of sequencing resources (number of sampled alleles, haplotype length, number of loci). Distinguishability of lineage fusion versus each of 10 untrue non-fusion scenarios was quantified based on six summary statistics (neutrality tests). Some datasets were also analyzed using extended Bayesian skyline plots. Results showed that signatures of lineage fusion very closely resemble those of decline—high distinguishability was generally limited to the most favorable scenario (D:L = 9), using the most sensitive summary statistics (<em>F</em><sub>S</sub> and <em>Z</em><sub>nS</sub>), coupled with the optimal sequencing resource allocation (maximizing number of loci). Also, extended Bayesian skyline plots often erroneously inferred population decline. Awareness of the potential for lineage fusion to carry the hallmarks of population decline is critical.</p>
Data from: Multi-generation genetic contributions of immigrants reveal cryptic elevated and sex-biased effective gene flow within a natural meta-population
<p>Impacts of immigration on micro-evolution and population dynamics fundamentally depend on net rates and forms of resulting gene flow into recipient populations. Yet, the degrees to which observed rates and sex ratios of physical immigration translate into multi-generational genetic legacies have not been explicitly quantified in natural meta-populations, precluding inference on how movements translate into effective gene flow and eco-evolutionary outcomes. Our analyses of three decades of complete song sparrow (<em>Melospiza melodia</em>) pedigree data show that multi-generational genetic contributions from regular natural immigrants substantially exceeded those from contemporary natives, consistent with heterosis-enhanced introgression. Further, while contributions from female immigrants exceeded those from female natives by up to three-fold, male immigrants' lineages typically went locally extinct soon after arriving. Both the overall magnitude, and the degree of female bias, of effective gene flow therefore greatly exceeded those which would be inferred from observed physical arrivals, reshaping the eco-evolutionary implications of immigration.</p>
Data from: Cross ocean-basin population genetic dynamics in a pelagic top predator of high conservation concern, the oceanic whitetip shark, Carcharhinus longimanus
<p>The oceanic whitetip shark, <em>Carcharhinus longimanus</em>, is a Critically Endangered, circumtropical, and highly migratory, pelagic shark. Yet, little information exists on its population genetic dynamics to guide conservation management practice. We present a first worldwide, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA assessment of the population genetic status of this imperiled species based on sequences of the complete mitochondrial control region (n = 173) and partial ND4 gene (n = 172), and genotypes from 12 nuclear microsatellites (n = 164). Statistically significant mitochondrial and nuclear DNA population genetic differentiation was detected across all marker datasets between Western Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceanic whitetip sharks. Additionally, our data, combined with previously published, partial (701-base pairs) mitochondrial control region sequences from additional locations in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, confirmed significant matrilineal population structure between the Western and Eastern Atlantic. The combined data also provisionally (i.e., with <em>F</em><sub>ST </sub>but not Φ<sub>ST</sub>) indicated differentiation between Western North and Central-South Atlantic sharks, pointing to the need for further assessment in this region. Matrilineal differentiation was also detected between Indian and Pacific Ocean sharks via pairwise analyses, albeit with the ND4 gene sequence only (Φ<sub>ST</sub> = 0.051; F<sub>ST</sub> = 0.092). Limited sampling in the Pacific leaves open questions about the connectivity dynamics in this large region. Despite the presence of geographic population genetic structure, the mitochondrial data showed no evidence of across ocean basin phylogeographic lineages. A provisional assessment of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic diversity indicated the oceanic whitetip shark's status falls in the middle to upper ranges compared to other shark species, potentially lending some optimism for the present adaptability and resiliency of this species if strong conservation measures are effectively implemented.</p>
Microsatellite exploration in the climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris Siebold & Zucc.) transcriptome: A resource for population genetics and functional genomics
<p><strong>Background</strong></p> <p><em>Hydrangea petiolaris</em> Siebold & Zucc., also known as climbing hydrangea, is a vine native to the woodlands of Korea, Japan, and Sakhalin Island. It is an economically important ornamental plant with fertile and sterile flowers. Despite the recent increase in <em>Hydrangea</em> breeding and interest in germplasm conservation, relatively little is known about the relationships between <em>Hydrangea</em> species.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong></p> <p>We employed Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing technology to generate a total of 39,945,480 reads, which were assembled into 137,715 contigs. A total of 109,092 filtered transcripts were used to identify microsatellites, and 54,587 microsatellite repeat motifs were revealed within 33,556 contigs. Among these, 4,510 transcripts harboring microsatellites had Gene Ontology annotations, and numerous microsatellite-containing transcripts exhibited associations with genes, including those encoding PPR proteins, aldehyde dehydrogenases, and bHLH transcription factors, related to the <em>restorer of fertility</em> (<em>Rf</em>) genes, which play a critical role in restoring fertility in plants with cytoplasmic male sterility. Validation of transcriptomic SSR markers demonstrated high levels of polymorphism, revealing significant genetic diversity within populations. However, null alleles and deviations from Hardy‒Weinberg equilibrium at specific loci suggested caution in genotyping accuracy. Population-level analysis disclosed high genetic differentiation and distinct clustering of populations.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p> <p>The <em>H</em>. <em>petiolaris</em> transcriptomic SSR markers offer valuable insight for gaining insights into the population genetics, evolutionary background, and practical strategies for conserving this species. Moreover, the microsatellite loci we have identified and their associations with annotated genes hold promise for creating functional markers specifically tailored for <em>H</em>. <em>petiolaris</em>. These markers include valuable resources of transcriptomic SSR markers suitable for population genetic investigations and have a reasonable degree of applicability across different taxa.</p>
Genetic admixture between Central European and Alpine wolf populations
<p>The recovery and expansion of formerly isolated wolf populations in Europe raise questions about the nature of their interactions and future consequences for population viability and conservation. Will fragmented populations fuse or maintain a certain level of isolation with migration? Central Europe is suitable for obtaining empirical data in this field as it represents a "crossroad" with the potential for contact among several phylogeographic lineages. In this study, non-invasive genetic samples obtained during population monitoring in the Bohemian and Bavarian Forest (BBF) mountain ranges in the Czech Republic and Germany (Bohemian Massif) were analysed at different neutral markers including mitochondrial sequence, nuclear autosomal microsatellites and gonosomal sex markers. Resultant genetic profiles were compared with reference data to study population ancestry. Both cluster analyses of microsatellite genotypes and syntopic occurrence of haplotypes HW01 and HW22 showed genetic admixture between Central European and Alpine populations. This represents secondary contact and interbreeding of formerly allopatric populations with different phylogeographic histories and distant expansion centres in different biomes in the Baltic region versus the Apennine peninsula and Alps. Moreover, the study describes the founding event and genealogy of this admixed deme, inhabiting intermediate environmental conditions compared to parental forms, and emphasises the role of protected areas as stepping stones in the range recolonization process in endangered large mammals.</p>
Population genetics of the Four Corners potato (Solanum jamesii)
<p>The domestication of wild plant species can begin with gathering and transport of propagules by Indigenous peoples. The effect on genomic composition, especially in clonal, self-incompatible perennials would be instantaneous and drastic with respect to new, anthropogenic populations subsequently established. Populations of the Four Corners potato, <em>Solanum jamesii</em> Torr., associated with archaeological sites in Utah and northern Arizona are unable to produce seeds and fruits unless crossed with non-archaeological populations. Presumably, founder events reduced genetic diversity and mating capability when tubers were transported and established in ancient gardens. Herein genetic sequencing (GBS) data is used to further examine the hypothesis of domestication in this culturally significant species by sampling 25 archaeological and non-archaeological populations. Archaeological populations from Utah, Colorado, and northern Arizona have lower levels of polymorphic loci, unique alleles, and heterozygosity than non-archaeological populations from the Mogollon Region of central Arizona and New Mexico. Principle components analysis, Fst values, and structure analysis revealed that genetic relationships among archaeological populations did not correspond to geographic proximity. Populations near Escalante, Utah were either derived from those found on the Mogollon Rim (400 km south) or related to those in Bears Ears (178 km east). Populations in Chaco Canyon are also similar to Escalante, but those in Mesa Verde, Chimney Rock, and El Morro have affinities to southern New Mexico and Texas. Movement of tubers from the Mogollon Region may have occurred many times and in multiple directions during the past, resulting in the complex genetic patterns seen in these populations from across the Four Corners Region.</p>
Genetic insight into a polygenic trait using a novel Genome Wide Association approach in a wild amphibian population
<p>Body size variation is central in the evolution of life history traits in amphibians, but the underlying genetic architecture of this complex trait is still largely unknown. Herein, we studied the genetic basis of body size and fecundity of the alternative morphotypes in a wild population of the Greek smooth newt (<em>Lissotriton graecus</em>). By combining a Genome-wide association approach with linkage disequilibrium network analysis, we were able to identify clusters of highly correlated loci thus maximizing sequence data for downstream analysis. The putatively associated variants explained 12.8% to 44.5% of the total phenotypic variation in body size and were mapped to genes with functional roles in the regulation of gene expression and cell cycle processes. Our study is the first to provide insights into the genetic basis of complex traits in newts and provides a useful tool to identify loci potentially involved in fitness related traits in small data sets from natural populations in non-model species.</p>
Population genetics of caribou in the Alaska-Yukon border region: implications for designation of conservation units and small herd persistence
<p>Better knowledge of genetic relationships between the Fortymile caribou herd and its neighbors is needed for conservation decision-making in Canada. Here, we contribute the first fine-scale analysis of genetic population structure in nine contiguous caribou herds at the geographic boundaries between Barren-ground and Northern Mountain caribou, and at the Alaska-Yukon border. Using pairwise differentiation metrics, STRUCTURE, and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) to analyze 15 microsatellite loci in 379 caribou, we found complex patterns of genetic differentiation. The Fortymile was the only herd assigned to more than one genetic cluster, indicative of its history as a larger herd whose range expansions and gene flow to other herds were likely important to maintaining diversity across a functioning genetic metapopulation. Some small herds (Chisana, Klaza, and White Mountains) were genetically distinct, while others (Hart River, Clear Creek, Mentasta) exhibited little differentiation from herds they occasionally overlap, including herds assigned to different conservation units (DUs). This genetic connectivity does not result from demographic connectivity, as episodic contact during rut, rather than herd switching, is the likely mechanism. Unusually, one small herd (White Mountains) maintained genetic differentiation despite rut overlap with Fortymile. Our data reveal that some herds with different ecological and behavioral attributes are demographically independent but nonetheless genetically connected. Thus, we suggest that managing caribou for an appropriate level of genetic connectivity, while also supporting herd persistence, will be essential to conserve caribou genetic diversity in the region.</p>
Data from: Range-wide genetic analysis of an endangered bumble bee (Bombus affinis) reveals population structure, isolation by distance, and low colony abundance
<p>Declines in bumblebee species ranges and abundances are documented across multiple continents and have prompted the need for research to aid species recovery and conservation. The rusty patched bumblebee (<em>Bombus affinis</em>) is the first federally-listed bumblebee species in North America. We conducted a range-wide population genetics study of <em>B. affinis</em> from across all extant conservation units to inform conservation efforts. To understand the species' vulnerability and help establish recovery targets, we examined population structure, patterns of genetic diversity, and population differentiation. Additionally, we conducted site-level analysis of colony abundance to inform prioritizing areas for conservation, translocation, and other recovery actions. We find substantial evidence of population structuring along an east-to-west gradient. Putative populations show evidence of isolation by distance, high inbreeding coefficients, and a range wide male diploidy rate of ~15%. Our results suggest the Appalachians represents a genetically distinct cluster with high levels of private alleles and substantial differentiation from the rest of the extant range. Site-level analyses suggest low colony abundance estimates for <em>B. affinis</em> compared to similar datasets of stable, co-occurring species. These results lend genetic support to trends from observational studies suggesting B. affinis has undergone a recent decline and exhibits substantial spatial structure. The low colony abundances observed here suggest caution in overinterpreting the stability of populations even where <em>B. affinis</em> is reliably detected interannually. These results help delineate informed management units, provide context for the potential risks of translocation programs, and can help set clear recovery targets for this and other threatened bumblebee species.</p>
Data from: Genetic analysis of red deer (Cervus elaphus) administrative management units in a human-dominated landscape - patterns of genetic diversity, population structure and gene flow
<p><span><span>Red deer (</span><span><em>Cervus elaphus</em></span><span>) throughout central Europe are</span> impacted by different anthropogenic activities including habitat fragmentation, selective hunting, and translocations<span>. This has substantial influences on genetic diversity and the long-term conservation of local populations of this species. Here we use genetic samples from 480 red deer individuals to assess the genetic diversity and differentiation of the 12 administrative management units located in Schleswig Holstein, the northernmost federal state in Germany. </span></span><span><span>We applied multiple analytical approaches and show that the history of local populations (i.e., translocations, culling of individuals outside of designated red deer zones, and anthropogenic infrastructures) has led to comparably low levels of genetic diversity. The mean expected heterozygosity was below 0.6 and we observed on average 4.2 alleles across 12 microsatellite loci. Effective population sizes below the recommended level of 50 were estimated for multiple local populations. </span></span><span><span>Our estimates of genetic structure and gene flow show that red deer in northern Germany are best described as a complex network of asymmetrically connected subpopulations, with high genetic exchange among some local populations and reduced connectivity of others. Genetic diversity was also correlated with population densities of neighboring management units. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Based on these findings, we suggest that connectivity among existing management units needs to be considered in the practical management of the species, which means that some administrative management units should be managed together, while the effective isolation of other units needs to be mitigated.</span></span></p>
Data from: genetic evidence of differential dispersal pattern in Asiatic wild dog: comparing populations with different pack size and tiger densities
<p><span>Dispersal is a multi-causal, crucial life-history event in shaping the genetic and behavioral structure of mammals. We assessed the dispersal pattern of dholes aka Asiatic wild dog (<em>Cuon alpinus</em>), a social monogamous mammal at two tiger reserves of Maharashtra with different degrees of pack size and competition with tigers i.e. Tadoba-Andhari (TATR, smaller pack size, higher tiger density) and Nawegaon-Nagzira (NNTR, larger pack size, lower tiger density). We used the microsatellite data of 174 individual genotypes (98 males and 67 females) to assess the dispersal pattern of dholes from two populations with varying pack size, tiger density, and landscape connectivity using gene flow as a proxy. We compared the population structure, pairwise F statistics, assignment index, and relatedness across a spatial scale. Overall, the results suggested a difference in sex-bias dispersal pattern for the two sub-populations, exhibiting significant results for female-biased dispersal in the TATR population with a smaller pack size and higher tiger density. Our study highlights the variability in sex-biased dispersal patterns in two different populations which could be the consequence of different variables such as pack size, tiger density, and geographical scale. The study warrants further quantitative investigation including several factors including individual behavior, pack composition, pack size, tiger density, etc. In the present Anthropocene era, determining the sex bias in dispersal patterns for a short-range, pack-living carnivore will help in devising an effective conservation management plan for their long-term survival.</span></p>
First insights into population structure and genetic diversity versus host specificity in trypanorhynch tapeworms using multiplexed shotgun genotyping
<p>Theory predicts relaxed host specificity and high host vagility should contribute to reduced genetic structure in parasites while strict host specificity and low host vagility should increase genetic structure. Though these predictions are intuitive, they have never been explicitly tested in a population genomic framework. Trypanorhynch tapeworms, which parasitize sharks and rays (elasmobranchs) as definitive hosts, are the only order of elasmobranch tapeworms that exhibit considerable variability in their definitive host specificity. This allows for unique combinations of host use and geographic range, making trypanorhynchs ideal candidates for studying how these traits influence population-level structure and genetic diversity. Multiplexed shotgun genotyping (MSG) datasets were generated to characterize component population structure and infrapopulation diversity for a representative of each trypanorhynch suborder: the ray-hosted <em>Rhinoptericola megacantha</em> (Trypanobatoida) and the shark-hosted Callitetrarhynchus gracilis (Trypanoselachoida). Adults of <em>R. megacantha</em> are more host-specific and less broadly distributed than adults of <em>C. gracilis</em>, allowing correlation between these factors and genetic structure. Replicate tapeworm specimens were sequenced from the same host individual, from multiple conspecific hosts within and across geographic regions, and from multiple definitive host species. For <em>R. megacantha</em>, population structure coincided with geography rather than host species. For <em>C. gracilis</em>, limited population structure was found, suggesting a potential link between degree of host specificity and structure. Conspecific trypanorhynchs from the same host individual were found to be as, or more, genetically divergent from one another as from conspecifics from different host individuals. For both species, high levels of homozygosity and positive FIS values were documented.</p>
Figure 1 in Genetic characterization of field populations of Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Culicidae) sampled from the Aegean region of Turkey
Figure 1. Map of collection localities for mosquitoes.
Figure 2. A in Genetic characterization of field populations of Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Culicidae) sampled from the Aegean region of Turkey
Figure 2. A UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei's (1972) genetic distances among C. pipiens populations.
Selection against individuals from genetic introgression of escaped farmed salmon in a natural population of Atlantic salmon
<p>The viability of wild Atlantic salmon populations is threatened by genetic introgression from escaped farmed salmon. Farmed Atlantic salmon are genetically improved for important commercial traits and a life in captivity but are poorly adapted to the natural environment. The rate of geneflow from escaped farmed to wild salmon depends on their spawning success and on offspring survival at various life-stages. We here investigate relative survival of introgressed juvenile Atlantic salmon (parr) in a river in northern Norway. The studied population has experienced genetic introgression from farmed salmon for about four generations (20 years). We followed two cohorts of parr from the year of hatching (0+) to the age of two years (2+). Farmed genetic introgression was quantified at the individual level and on a continuous scale using diagnostic SNPs. Population-level genetic introgression decreased from 0+ to 2+ by 64% (2011 cohort) and 37% (2013 cohort) . This change was driven by a 70% (2011 cohort) and 49% (2013 cohort) lower survival from age 0+ to 2+ in introgressed parr compared to parr of wild origin. Our observations show that there is natural selection against genetic introgression with a potential cost of lower productivity.The viability of wild Atlantic salmon populations is threatened by genetic introgression from escaped farmed salmon. Farmed Atlantic salmon are genetically improved for important commercial traits and a life in captivity but are poorly adapted to the natural environment. The rate of geneflow from escaped farmed to wild salmon depends on their spawning success and on offspring survival at various life-stages. We here investigate relative survival of introgressed juvenile Atlantic salmon (parr) in a river in northern Norway. The studied population has experienced genetic introgression from farmed salmon for about four generations (20 years). We followed two cohorts of parr from the year of hatching (0+) to the age of two years (2+). Farmed genetic introgression was quantified at the individual level and on a continuous scale using diagnostic SNPs. Population-level genetic introgression decreased from 0+ to 2+ by 64% (2011 cohort) and 37% (2013 cohort) . This change was driven by a 70% (2011 cohort) and 49% (2013 cohort) lower survival from age 0+ to 2+ in introgressed parr compared to parr of wild origin. Our observations show that there is natural selection against genetic introgression with a potential cost of lower productivity.</p>
Populations restored using regional seed are genetically diverse and similar to natural populations in the region
<p>Ecological restoration and plant re-introductions aim to create plant populations that are genetically similar to natural populations to preserve the regional gene pool, yet genetically diverse to allow adaptation to a changing environment. For this purpose, seeds for restoration are increasingly sourced from multiple populations in the target region. However, it has only rarely been tested whether using regional seed indeed leads to genetically diverse restored populations which are genetically similar to natural populations.</p> <p>We used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to investigate genetic diversity within and differentiation among populations of <em>Centaurea jacea</em> and <em>Betonica officinalis</em> on restored and natural meadows in the White Carpathians, Czech Republic. The restoration took place 20 years ago using regional seeds propagated from a mix of multiple regional source populations. We included original regional seeds in our analysis to compare the restored populations with their origin (only in <em>C. jacea</em>). Additionally, we analysed conventional seeds without certified origin because these would have constituted a common alternative for restoration seeding in the absence of regional seeds.</p> <p>The differentiation between restored and natural populations (mean pairwise <em>F<sub>ST</sub></em> = 0.018 in <em>Centaurea</em> and 0.021 in <em>Betonica</em>) was similar to the differentiation among natural populations (<em>F<sub>ST</sub></em> = 0.023 and 0.021), and the restored populations were slightly more genetically diverse than the natural populations. In addition, restored populations were relatively similar to their origin, the regional seeds (<em>F<sub>ST</sub></em> = 0.015). In contrast, conventional seeds were strongly differentiated from all regional populations (<em>F<sub>ST</sub></em> = 0.100 and 0.059, in <em>Centaurea</em> and <em>Betonica</em>, respectively) and harboured substantially lower genetic diversity. We also found signs of gene flow via pollen or seed dispersal from natural to restored populations but not <em>vice versa</em>.</p> <p><em>Policy implications</em>. Regionally sourced seeds can produce genetically diverse populations at natural levels of genetic differentiation.</p>
Population genetics as a tool to elucidate pathogen reservoirs: Lessons from Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of White-Nose disease in bats
<p>Emerging infectious diseases pose a major threat to human, animal, and plant health. The risk of species-extinctions increases when pathogens can survive in the absence of the host. Environmental reservoirs can facilitate this. However, identifying such reservoirs and modes of infection is often highly challenging. In this study, we investigated the presence and nature of an environmental reservoir for the ascomycete fungus <i>Pseudogymnoascus destructans</i>, the causative agent of White-Nose disease. Using 18 microsatellite markers, we determined the genotypic differentiation between 1,497 <i>P. destructans</i> isolates collected from nine closely situated underground sites where bats hibernate (i.e., hibernacula) in Northeastern Germany. This approach was unique in that it ensured that every isolate and resulting multi-locus genotype was not only present, but also viable and therefore theoretically capable of infecting a bat. The distinct distribution of multi-locus genotypes across hibernacula demonstrates that each hibernaculum has an essentially unique fungal population. This would be expected if bats become infected in their hibernaculum (i.e., the site they spend winter in to hibernate) rather than in other sites visited before they start hibernating. In one hibernaculum where both the walls and the hibernating bats were sampled at regular intervals over five consecutive winter seasons (1,062 isolates), higher genotypic richness was found on walls compared to bats and multi-locus genotypes showed a stable frequency over multiple winters. This clearly implicates hibernacula walls as the main environmental reservoir of the pathogen, from which bats become re-infected annually during hibernation.</p>
Investigating the morphological and genetic divergence of arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) populations in lakes of arctic Alaska
<p>Polymorphism facilitates coexistence of divergent morphs (e.g., phenotypes) of the same species by minimizing intraspecific competition, especially when resources are limiting. Arctic char (<i>Salvelinus</i> <i>sp</i>.) are a Holarctic fish often forming morphologically, and sometimes genetically, divergent morphs. In this study, we assessed the morphological and genetic diversity and divergence of 263 individuals from seven populations of arctic char with varying length-frequency distributions across two distinct groups of lakes in northern Alaska. Despite close geographic proximity, each lake group occurs on landscapes with different glacial ages and surface water connectivity, and thus were likely colonized by fishes at different times. Across lakes, a continuum of physical (e.g., lake area, maximum depth) and biological characteristics (e.g., primary productivity, fish density) exists, likely contributing to characteristics of present-day char populations. Although some lakes exhibit bimodal size distributions, using model-based clustering of morphometric traits corrected for allometry, we did not detect morphological differences within and across char populations. Genomic analyses using 15,934 SNPs obtained from genotyping-by-sequencing demonstrated differences among lake groups related to historical biogeography, but within lake groups and within individual lakes, genetic differentiation was not related to total body length. We used PERMANOVA to identify environmental and biological factors related to observed char size structure. Significant predictors included water transparency (i.e., a primary productivity proxy), char density (fish·ha<sup>-1</sup>), and lake group. Larger char occurred in lakes with greater primary production and lower char densities, suggesting less intraspecific competition and resource limitation. Thus, char populations in more productive and connected lakes may prove more stable to environmental changes, relative to food-limited and closed lakes, if lake productivity increases concomitantly. Our findings provide some of the first descriptions of genomic characteristics of char populations in arctic Alaska, and offer important consideration for the persistence of these populations for subsistence and conservation.</p>
Data from: Population genetics and independently replicated evolution of predator-associated burst speed ecophenotypy in mosquitofish
<p>Many species show replicated ecophenotypy due to recurring patterns of natural selection. Based on the presence or absence of pursuit predators, at least 17 species of fish repeatedly differentiated in body shape in a manner that increases burst swimming speed and the likelihood of predator escape. The predator-associated burst speed (<b>PABS</b>) ecophenotype is characterized by a small head and trunk and enlarged caudal region. Mechanisms promoting replicated phenotype-environment association include selection (without evolution), a single instance of adaptive evolution followed by biased habitat occupation, repeated instances of local adaptation, or adaptive phenotypic plasticity. Common garden rearing of mosquitofish, <i>Gambusia affinis</i>, demonstrated a likely heritable basis for PABS phenotypy, but it is unknown whether populations are otherwise genetically distinct or whether replicated ecophenotypy represents a single or replicated instances of adaptation. To genetically characterize the populations and test hypotheses of single or multiple adaptations, we characterized variation in 12 polymorphic DNA microsatellites in the previously studied <i>G. affinis</i> populations. Populations were genetically distinct by multilocus analysis, exhibited high allelic diversity, and were heterozygote deficient, which effects were attributed to <i>G. affinis</i>'s shoaling nature and habitat patchiness. Genetic and phenotypic distances among populations were correlated for non-PABS but not PABS morphology. Multilocus analysis demonstrated ecophenotype polyphyly and scattered multivariate genetic structure which support only the replicated-adaptation model. As all of the diverse tests performed demonstrated lack of congruence between patterns of molecular genetic and PABS differentiation, it is likely that divergent natural selection drove multiple instances of adaptive evolution.Many species show replicated ecophenotypy due to recurring patterns of natural selection. Based on the presence or absence of pursuit predators, at least 17 species of fish repeatedly differentiated in body shape in a manner that increases burst swimming speed and the likelihood of predator escape. The predator-associated burst speed (<b>PABS</b>) ecophenotype is characterized by a small head and trunk and enlarged caudal region. Mechanisms promoting replicated phenotype-environment association include selection (without evolution), a single instance of adaptive evolution followed by biased habitat occupation, repeated instances of local adaptation, or adaptive phenotypic plasticity. Common garden rearing of mosquitofish, <i>Gambusia affinis</i>, demonstrated a likely heritable basis for PABS phenotypy, but it is unknown whether populations are otherwise genetically distinct or whether replicated ecophenotypy represents a single or replicated instances of adaptation. To genetically characterize the populations and test hypotheses of single or multiple adaptations, we characterized variation in 12 polymorphic DNA microsatellites in the previously studied <i>G. affinis</i> populations. Populations were genetically distinct by multilocus analysis, exhibited high allelic diversity, and were heterozygote deficient, which effects were attributed to <i>G. affinis</i>'s shoaling nature and habitat patchiness. Genetic and phenotypic distances among populations were correlated for non-PABS but not PABS morphology. Multilocus analysis demonstrated ecophenotype polyphyly and scattered multivariate genetic structure which support only the replicated-adaptation model. As all of the diverse tests performed demonstrated lack of congruence between patterns of molecular genetic and PABS differentiation, it is likely that divergent natural selection drove multiple instances of adaptive evolution.</p>
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Allen Brain Atlas
Allen Brain Atlas is an Allen Institute collection of brain map atlases, datasets, APIs, and analysis tools covering mouse, human, and non-human primate brain resources.
Annotated Behaviour and Observability Dataset (ABODe)
ABODe is a University of Edinburgh DataShare dataset for behavior classification in group-housed mice using home-cage video, identities, bounding boxes, ground-plate positions, and annotator labels.
DANDI Archive for NWB datasets
DANDI is a BRAIN Initiative archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data, including electrophysiology, optophysiology, and behavioral data packaged as NWB and related standards.
International Brain Laboratory public data
The International Brain Laboratory public data releases expose standardized mouse decision-making experiments, including Neuropixels recordings, widefield calcium imaging, behavior, and session metadata accessed through the ONE API.
OpenNeuro
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