Genotyping‐by‐sequencing for biogeography

Abstract

AbstractAimGenotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) and similar reduced‐representation sequencing methods, such as restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq), have been revolutionary for genetic analyses in biogeography. However, navigating the many different methodological and analytical approaches and numerous sources of potential error can be overwhelming. We provide an overview of key considerations for biogeographical research using GBS, from sample design through data filtering to the sharing of data, which should particularly assist new users.TaxonAll taxa.LocationWorldwide.MethodsWe review recent advances for GBS and compare differences among GBS methods and analytical approaches. We highlight the concerns most relevant for biogeographical research, and emphasise practical limitations for studies on non‐model organisms.ResultsGBS methods vary substantially and recent literature demonstrates the need for careful study design and data filtering relevant to the study organism and hypothesis under investigation. Biogeographical research using non‐model organisms or long‐term sampling are likely to face some practical limitations compared to ideal GBS study designs. The methodological information recorded in published manuscripts often varies. We outline a general framework for planning and undertaking biogeographical research using GBS.Main conclusionsGBS and similar approaches have grown rapidly in popularity for biogeographical research. Evaluating, recording and justifying decisions throughout a GBS workflow—across sampling, library preparation and sequencing, identifying and filtering samples and loci, biogeographical analyses, and sharing data—is crucial for improving scientific reproducibility and compatibility among GBS datasets. This review outlines ways to improve and simplify GBS research, thereby enhancing our capacity to use genomic data to address broad‐scale biogeographical questions.