Abstract
Population genetic structure approaches offer the possibility of defining management units in conservation activities of species. The genetic structure of the brown trout Salmo trutta in Galicia (NW Spain) was investigated by using microsatellites. We determined genetic variation across 10 microsatellite loci of 901 individuals from 30 geographical populations representing 18 river basins. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the genetic variation by using different methods clearly revealed strong genetic differentiation among two groups of populations living in the studied area. This result is concordant with previous work using allozymes and mtDNA markers, and confirms a secondary contact among two highly differentiated evolutionary lineages in Mino Basin. Although both lineages might be locally adapted, results suggest that they hybridize at the middle course of the river. The brown trout from the Upper Mino Basin belongs to the previously described Duero lineage, an Iberian endemism threatened by introgression with other Atlantic forms. The results support the recognition of the Upper Mino Basin as a particular biotic region in Galicia. This study illustrates how a multidisciplinary approach in spatial genetic analysis contributes to the delineation of conservation units as conspecific metapopulations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
