Spatial Patterns Of Genetic Diversity Research Articles

Simulation modelling demonstrates differential performance of connectivity methods in their ability to predict genetic diversity in complex landscapes

ContextThere have been few evaluations of how well different connectivity modelling methods are able to predict the spatial genetic structure and genetic diversity of populations residing in complex landscapes. Given the wide application of connectivity modelling tools in applied conservation planning, it is crucial to broadly evaluate how these models perform across resistance, movement, and population structure conditions in predicting genetic diversity patterns. Such evaluations are critical to provide rigorous, biologically based guidance for conservation and management applications. ObjectivesOur goal was to investigate how the predictions of three connectivity models were related to spatial patterns of genetic diversity complex landscapes, considering factors such as population structure, resistance, genetic drift, genetic disequilibrium, and organism movement abilities. MethodsWe evaluated the performance of several connectivity methods across seven a priori landscape resistance surfaces to provide a broad assessment of their performance. We used CDPOP, an individual-based, spatially explicit population and genetic simulation model, to simulate genetic diversity across these resistance surfaces. This provided a pool of genetic diversity patterns that were the response factor in our simulation experiment. We then simulated landscape connectivity with several popular connectivity methods, including resistant kernels, Circuitscape, and Pathwalker, and evaluated how well they were able to predict spatial patterns of genetic diversity. ResultsResistant kernel outperformed other connectivity methods in predicting landscape patterns of genetic diversity. The strongest relationships occurred when the population process has created spatial structure but has not yet led to significant genetic diversity loss due to drift. The time lag disequilibrium was relatively short. Long simulation times resulted in severe reduction in prediction ability due to drift. ConclusionsResistant kernel predictions were much more strongly related to spatial patterns of genetic diversity than were predictions produced by Circuitscape and Pathwalker, across a large combination of population structures. Strong relationships exist between functional connectivity and genetic diversity, with clearer and stronger associations seen in spatial patterns of allelic richness compared to heterozygosity or spatial effective population size. Our results confirm the strong relationship between genetic diversity and population connectivity, and suggest that computationally efficient incidence function algorithms, such as resistant kernel methods, are well suited to predicting functional connectivity.

Oceanographical-driven dispersal and environmental variation explain genetic structure in an upwelling coastal ecosystem

The seascape comprises multiple environmental variables that interact with species biology to determine patterns of spatial genetic variation. The environment imposes spatially variable selective forces together with homogenizing and diverging drivers that facilitate or restrict dispersal, which is a complex, time-dependent process. Understanding how the seascape influences spatial patterns of genetic variation remains elusive, particularly in coastal upwelling systems. Here, we combine genome-wide SNP data, Lagrangian larval dispersal simulated over a hydrodynamic model, and ocean environmental information to quantify the relative contribution of ocean circulation and environmental heterogeneity as drivers of the spatial genetic structure of two congeneric intertidal limpets, Scurria scurra and S. araucana, along the central coast of Chile. We find that a genetic break observed in both limpet species coincides with a break in connectivity shown by the Lagrangian dispersal, suggesting that mean ocean circulation is an important seascape feature, in particular for S. scurra. For S. araucana, environmental variation appears as a better predictor of genetic structure than ocean circulation. Overall, our study shows broad patterns of seascape forcing on genetic diversity and contributes to our understanding of the complex ecological and evolutionary interactions along coastal upwelling systems.

Reversing the decline of threatened koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in New South Wales: Using genomics to enhance conservation outcomes.

Genetic management is a critical component of threatened species conservation. Understanding spatial patterns of genetic diversity is essential for evaluating the resilience of fragmented populations to accelerating anthropogenic threats. Nowhere is this more relevant than on the Australian continent, which is experiencing an ongoing loss of biodiversity that exceeds any other developed nation. Using a proprietary genome complexity reduction-based method (DArTSeq), we generated a data set of 3239 high quality Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate spatial patterns and indices of genetic diversity in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), a highly specialised folivorous marsupial that is experiencing rapid and widespread population declines across much of its former range. Our findings demonstrate that current management divisions across the state of New South Wales (NSW) do not fully represent the distribution of genetic diversity among extant koala populations, and that care must be taken to ensure that translocation paradigms based on these frameworks do not inadvertently restrict gene flow between populations and regions that were historically interconnected. We also recommend that koala populations should be prioritised for conservation action based on the scale and severity of the threatening processes that they are currently faced with, rather than placing too much emphasis on their perceived value (e.g., as reservoirs of potentially adaptive alleles), as our data indicate that existing genetic variation in koalas is primarily partitioned among individual animals. As such, the extirpation of koalas from any part of their range represents a potentially critical reduction of genetic diversity for this iconic Australian species.

Isolation, small population size, and management influence inbreeding and reduced genetic variation in K’gari dingoes

Small island populations are vulnerable to genetic decline via demographic and environmental stochasticity. In the absence of immigration, founder effects, inbreeding and genetic drift are likely to contribute to local extinction risk. Management actions may also have a greater impact on small, closed populations. The demographic and social characteristics of a species can, however, delay the impact of threats. K’gari, a ~ 1 660 km2 island off the Australian east coast and UNESCO World Heritage Site (Fraser Island 1842–2023), supports an isolated population of approximately 70–200 dingoes that represent an ideal opportunity to explore the small island paradigm. To examine temporal and spatial patterns of genetic diversity in this population we analysed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data (72 454 SNPS) for 112 K’gari dingoes collected over a 25-year period (1996 to 2020). Genetic diversity was lower in K’gari dingoes than mainland dingoes at the earliest time point in our study and declined significantly following a management cull in 2001. We did not find any spatial genetic patterns on the island, suggesting high levels of genetic connectivity between socially discrete packs. This connectivity, combined with the social structure and behaviour of dingoes, may act in concert to buffer the population from the impacts of genetic drift in the short term. Nevertheless, a general decline in genetic variation via inbreeding and drift has occurred over the past 20 years which we suggest should be considered in any future management planning for the population. Monitoring patterns of genetic variation, together with a clearer understanding of the social ecology of K’gari dingoes, will aid in the development of measurable genetic targets set over ecologically meaningful timelines, and help ensure continued survival of this culturally important population.

Spatial Pattern of Genetic Diversity and Demographic History Revealed by Population Genomic Analysis: Resilience to Climate Fluctuations of Acer truncatum Bunge

Whole genome sequencing techniques are capable of providing insights into plant genetic adaptation to climate oscillations. Acer truncatum Bunge is a new resource tree for food with ornamental, timber and medicinal value. However, it has been listed as a near-threatened species because of the decreasing number of natural populations. In order to develop conservation strategies and sustainable innovative utilization for genetic resources, spatial pattern of genetic diversity and demographic history of A. truncatum from 13 natural populations, which cover the entire range, were analyzed by 9,086,353 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through whole genome resequencing. The genetic diversity of natural populations was high (He = 0.289, I = 0.449), and genetic variations mainly resided within populations (82.47%) by AMOVA analysis. Cluster analysis showed that 13 natural populations mainly originated from three common gene pools. Therefore, it is recommended that the natural populations (LBGM, BTM, WLS and DQT) with high genetic diversity in different groups were given priority for in situ conservation and the genetic resources from these populations were collected for ex situ conservation. The effective population size of A. truncatum experienced two large-scale sharp contractions and currently decreased to its bottom in history. Nonetheless, A. truncatum could have expanded its effective population size to its historical peak after the last glacial period, indicating that it is highly resilient to fluctuations of temperature and humidity.

The geno-geo-climate nexus: contributions of geographic and ecological factors in shaping the genomic divergence of two closely related threatened rainforest species of Fontainea Heckel (Euphorbiaceae)

ContextProcesses that shape genomic and ecological divergence can reveal important evolutionary dynamics to inform the conservation of threatened species. Fontainea is a genus of rainforest shrubs and small trees including critically endangered and threatened species restricted to narrow, but complex geographic and ecological regions. Several species of Fontainea are subject to spatially explicit conditions and experience limited intra-specific gene flow, likely generating genetic differentiation and local adaptation.ObjectivesHere, we explored the genetic and ecological mechanisms underlying patterns of diversification in two, closely related threatened Fontainea species. Our aim was to compare spatial patterns of genetic variation between the vulnerable Fontainea australis (Southern Fontainea) and critically endangered F. oraria (Coastal Fontainea), endemic to the heterogeneous subtropical region of central, eastern Australia, where large-scale clearing has severely reduced rainforest habitat to a fraction (< 1%) of its pre-European settlement extent.MethodsWe used a set of 10,000 reduced-representation markers to infer genetic relationships and the drivers of spatial genetic variation across the two species. In addition, we employed a combination of univariate and multivariate genome-environment association analysis using a set of topo-climatic variables to explore potential patterns of local adaptation as a factor impacting genomic divergence.ResultsOur study revealed that Coastal Fontainea have a close genetic relationship with Southern Fontainea. We showed that isolation by distance has played a key role in their genetic variation, indicating that vicariance can explain the spatial genetic distribution of the two species. Genotype-environment analyses showed a strong association with temperature and topographic features, suggesting adaptation to localised thermal environments. We used a multivariate redundancy analysis to identify a range of putatively adapted loci associated with local environmental conditions.ConclusionsDivergent selection at the local-habitat scale as a result of dispersal limitations and environmental heterogeneity (including physical barriers) are likely contributors to adaptive divergence between the two Fontainea species. Our findings have presented evidence to indicate that Southern and Coastal Fontainea were comprised of distinct genetic groups and ecotypes, that together may form a single species continuum, with further phenotype research suggested to confirm the current species boundaries. Proactive conservation actions, including assisted migration to enhance the resilience of populations lacking stress-tolerant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be required to secure the long-term future of both taxa. This is especially vital for the critically endangered Coastal Fontainea given projections of habitat decline for the species under future climate scenarios.

Ecological niche modelling and population genomics provide insights into the geographic and demographic ‘explosion’ of a non‐indigenous salmonid

AbstractAimEffective management of non‐indigenous species requires knowledge of their dispersal factors and founder events. We aim to identify the main environmental drivers favouring dispersal events along the invasion gradient and to characterize the spatial patterns of genetic diversity in feral populations of the non‐native pink salmon within its epicentre of invasion in Norway.LocationMainland Norway and North Atlantic Basin.MethodsWe first conducted SDM using four modelling techniques with varying levels of complexity, which encompassed both regression‐based and tree‐based machine‐learning algorithms, using climatic data from the present to 2050. Then, we used the triple‐enzyme restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (3RADseq) approach to genotype over 30,000 high‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms to elucidate the patterns of genetic diversity and gene flow within the pink salmon putative invasion hotspot.ResultsWe discovered temperature‐ and precipitation‐related variables drove pink salmon distributional shifts across its non‐native ranges and that climate‐induced favourable areas will remain stable for the next 30 years. In addition, all SDMs identified north‐eastern Norway as the epicentre of the pink salmon invasion, and genomic data revealed that there was minimal variation in genetic diversity across the sampled populations at a genome‐wide level in this region. While utilizing a specific group of ‘diagnostic’ SNPs, we observed a significant degree of genetic differentiation, ranging from moderate to substantial, and detected four hierarchical genetic clusters concordant with geography.Main ConclusionsOur findings suggest that fluctuations in climate extreme events associated with ongoing climate change will likely maintain environmental favourability for the pink salmon outside its ‘native’/introduced ranges. Locally invaded rivers are themselves potential source populations of invaders in the ongoing secondary spread of pink salmon in Northern Norway. Our study shows that SDMs and genomic data can reveal species distribution determinants and provide indicators to aid in post‐control measures and potentially inferences about their success.

Chromosome-level genome assembly and population genomic analysis reveal evolution and local adaptation in common hairfin anchovy (Setipinna tenuifilis).

Understanding the genetic structure and the factors associated with adaptive diversity has significant implications for the effective management of wild populations under threat from overfishing and climate change. The common hairfin anchovy (Setipinna tenuifilis) is an economically and ecologically important pelagic fish species, spanning a broad latitudinal gradient along marginal seas of the Northwest Pacific. In this study, we constructed the first reference genome of S. tenuifilis using PacBio long reads and high-resolution chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technology. The assembled genome was 798.38 Mb with a contig N50 of 1.43 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 32.42 Mb, which were anchored onto 24 pseudochromosomes. A total of 22,019 genes were functionally annotated, which accounted for 95.27% of the predicted protein-coding genes. Chromosomal collinearity analysis revealed chromosome fusion or fission events in Clupeiformes species. Three genetic groups of S. tenuifilis were revealed along the Chinese coast using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). We investigated the influence of four bioclimatic variables as potential drivers of adaptive divergence in S. tenuifilis, suggesting that these environmental variables, especially sea surface temperature, may play important roles as drivers of spatially varying selection for S. tenuifilis. We also identified candidate functional genes underlying adaptive mechanisms and ecological tradeoffs using redundancy analysis (RDA) and BayeScan analysis. In summary, this study sheds light on the evolution and spatial patterns of genetic variation of S. tenuifilis, providing a valuable genomic resource for further biological and genetic studies on this species and other closely related Clupeiformes.

Spatial Patterns of Neutral and Functional Genetic Variations along Dendritic Networks of Riverscape in Brown Trout Populations

Understanding how environmental gradients shape the spatial patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity is a central issue in ecological and evolutionary sciences. In riverine ecosystems, there is generally an increase in neutral genetic diversity downstream, as well as an increase in genetic differentiation among upstream populations. However, selective pressures may vary markedly along the upstream–downstream gradient, which could modify these patterns, but this has rarely been tested empirically. Here, we investigated how environmental gradients in a river network could shape the spatial patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity and differentiation in both neutral SNP markers and functional genetic markers putatively under natural selection (candidate SNPs associated with physiological functions and immune Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) loci) in wild brown trout populations. First, we showed that both the distance from the confluence and the centrality on the river network could explain the variation in genetic diversity and differentiation. Second, we found that both neutral and functional markers followed a similar pattern, with a higher genetic diversity and a lower genetic differentiation among populations that were more central and/or near to the confluence. This study highlights the importance of considering both the spatial and hydrological factors of a river network to understand and predict the role of dendritic connectivity in the spatial patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation in wild fish populations.

Contrasts in riverscape patterns of intraspecific genetic variation in a diverse Neotropical fish community of high conservation value.

Spatial patterns of genetic variation compared across species provide information about the predictability of genetic diversity in natural populations, and areas requiring conservation measures. Due to their remarkable fish diversity, rivers in Neotropical regions are ideal systems to confront theory with observations and would benefit greatly from such approaches given their increasing vulnerability to anthropogenic pressures. We used SNP data from 18 fish species with contrasting life-history traits, co-sampled across 12 sites in the Maroni- a major river system from the Guiana Shield -, to compare patterns of intraspecific genetic variation and identify their underlying drivers. Analyses of covariance revealed a decrease in genetic diversity as distance from the river outlet increased for 5 of the 18 species, illustrating a pattern commonly observed in riverscapes for species with low-to-medium dispersal abilities. However, the mean within-site genetic diversity was lowest in the two easternmost tributaries of the Upper Maroni and around an urbanized location downstream, indicating the need to address the potential influence of local pressures in these areas, such as gold mining or fishing. Finally, the relative influence of isolation by stream distance, isolation by discontinuous river flow, and isolation by spatial heterogeneity in effective size on pairwise genetic differentiation varied across species. Species with similar dispersal and reproductive guilds did not necessarily display shared patterns of population structure. Increasing the knowledge of specific life history traits and ecological requirements of fish species in these remote areas should help further understand factors that influence their current patterns of genetic variation.

Historic and contemporary biogeographic perspectives on range-wide spatial genetic structure in a widespread seagrass.

Historical and contemporary processes drive spatial patterns of genetic diversity. These include climate-driven range shifts and gene flow mediated by biogeographical influences on dispersal. Assessments that integrate these drivers are uncommon, but critical for testing biogeographic hypotheses. Here, we characterize intraspecific genetic diversity and spatial structure across the entire distribution of a temperate seagrass to test marine biogeographic concepts for southern Australia. Predictive modeling was used to contrast the current Posidonia australis distribution to its historical distribution during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Spatial genetic structure was estimated for 44 sampled meadows from across the geographical range of the species using nine microsatellite loci. Historical and contemporary distributions were similar, with the exception of the Bass Strait. Genetic clustering was consistent with the three currently recognized biogeographic provinces and largely consistent with the finer-scale IMCRA bioregions. Discrepancies were found within the Flindersian province and southwest IMCRA bioregion, while two regions of admixture coincided with transitional IMCRA bioregions. Clonal diversity was highly variable but positively associated with latitude. Genetic differentiation among meadows was significantly associated with oceanographic distance. Our approach suggests how shared seascape drivers have influenced the capacity of P. australis to effectively track sea level changes associated with natural climate cycles over millennia, and in particular, the recolonization of meadows across the Continental Shelf following the LGM. Genetic structure associated with IMCRA bioregions reflects the presence of stable biogeographic barriers, such as oceanic upwellings. This study highlights the importance of biogeography to infer the role of historical drivers in shaping extant diversity and structure.

Genetic diversity and structure of a recent fish invasion: Tench (Tinca tinca) in eastern North America.

Introduced and geographically expanding populations experience similar eco-evolutionary challenges, including founder events, genetic bottlenecks, and novel environments. Theory predicts that reduced genetic diversity resulting from such phenomena limits the success of introduced populations. Using 1900 SNPs obtained from restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing, we evaluated hypotheses related to the invasion history and connectivity of an invasive population of Tench (Tinca tinca), a Eurasian freshwater fish that has been expanding geographically in eastern North America for three decades. Consistent with the reported history of a single introduction event, our findings suggest that multiple introductions from distinct genetic sources are unlikely as Tench had a small effective population size (~114 [95% CI=106-123] individuals), no strong population subdivision across time and space, and evidence of a recent genetic bottleneck. The large genetic neighbourhood size (220 km) and weak within-population genetic substructure suggested high connectivity across the invaded range, despite the relatively large area occupied. There was some evidence for a small decay in genetic diversity as the species expanded northward, but not southward, into new habitats. As eradicating the species within a ~112 km radius would be necessary to prevent recolonization, eradicating Tench is likely not feasible at watershed-and possibly local-scales. Management should instead focus on reducing abundance in priority conservation areas to mitigate adverse impacts. Our study indicates that introduced populations can thrive and exhibit relatively high levels of genetic diversity despite severe bottlenecks (<1.5% of the ancestral effective population size) and suggests that landscape heterogeneity and population demographics can generate variability in spatial patterns of genetic diversity within a single range expansion.

Spatial and temporal variation of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in Daphnia galeata populations in four large reservoirs in southern China.

Daphnia galeata is a common and dominant species in warmer waters, and has a strong top-down effect on both phytoplankton and bacteria. The knowledge of its temporal and spatial patterns of genetic diversity is fundamental in understanding its population dynamics and potential ecological function in ecosystems. Its population genetics have been investigated at regional scales but few within regions or at smaller spatial scales. Here, we examined the fine-scale spatial genetic variation of D. galeata within four large, deep reservoirs in wet and dry seasons and the six-year variation of genetic diversity in one of the reservoirs by using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and microsatellites (simple sequence repeat). Our study shows that fine-scale spatial genetic variation commonly occurred within the reservoirs, indicating strong environmental selection at least in the two of reservoirs with strong longitudinal gradients. Since the environmental gradients established in the dry season was largely reduced in the wet season, the fine-scale spatial genetic variation was much higher in the dry season. The dynamics of local genetic diversity did not follow the theoretical pattern of rapid erosion but peaked in mid or mid-late growth season. The local genetic diversity of D. galeata appears to be shaped and maintained not only by recruitment from resting egg banks but also by gene flow within reservoirs. The temporal and fine-scale genetic variation within a water body suggests that it is necessary to pay attention to sampling periods and locations of a given water body in regional studies.

Unveiling a hotspot of genetic diversity in southern Italy for the endangered Hermann’s tortoise Testudo hermanni

BackgroundHotspots of intraspecific genetic diversity represent invaluable resources for species to cope with environmental changes, and their identification is increasingly recognized as a major goal of conservation ecology research. However, even for iconic and endangered species, conservation strategies are often planned without thorough information on the geographic patterns of genetic variation. Here, we investigated the spatial patterns of genetic variation of the endangered Hermann’s tortoise Testudo hermanni in the Italian Peninsula by genotyping 174 individuals at 7 microsatellite loci, with the aim to contribute to planning effective conservation strategies.ResultsOrdination-based and Bayesian clustering analyses consistently identified three main genetic clusters, one spread in the central and northern part of the peninsula, and two restricted to southern Italy and Sicily, respectively. The highest levels of genetic diversity were found in populations of the southern cluster and, in particular, at the northern edges of its distribution (He > 0.6, Ar > 2.8 ), that correspond to areas of putative secondary contact and admixture between distinct lineages. Our results clearly identify a hotspot of genetic diversity for the Hermann’s tortoise in southern Italy.ConclusionWe inferred the evolutionary history and the spatial patterns of genetic variation of the Hermann’s tortoise in the Italian Peninsula. We identified three main genetic clusters along the peninsula and a hotspot of intraspecific diversity in southern Italy. Our results underline the urgent need for conservation actions to warrant the long-term persistence of viable tortoise populations in this area. Furthrmore, these data add further evidence to the role of southern Italy as a biodiversity hotspot for temperate fauna, claiming for higher consideration of this area in large scale conservation programs.

Linking environmental stability with genetic diversity and population structure in two Atlantic Forest palm trees

AbstractAimSpatial patterns of biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest are well characterized. However, there is no consensus on the biological processes underlying these patterns, and multiple competing hypotheses have been proposed, several of which centre on climatic stability. Here, we ask if Late Quaternary climatic stability predicts contemporary population structure and genomic‐level diversity in two palm species.LocationAtlantic Forest of Eastern Brazil.TaxaSyagrus botryophora and S. pseudococos (Arecaceae).MethodsWe first model the distribution of suitable environments in 62 time‐slice climate projections over the last 120 thousand years, and summarize stability over that period. We then use &gt;25,000 RADseq‐generated SNPs to (i) describe the spatial patterns of genomic variation in both species, (ii) test how well genomic variation is explained by isolation by distance and by the environmental resistance imposed by historical instability (isolation by resistance) and (iii) test for a correlation between genetic diversity and historical stability.ResultsThe contemporary range of S. botryophora has been relatively stable over the last 30 thousand years and there are two isolated regions of high stability for S. pseudococos. The genomic data recover a clear pattern of isolation by distance in S. botryophora and two structured populations in S. pseudococos. Consequently, the contribution of isolation by resistance to overall genetic structure is much higher in S. pseudococos. Genetic diversity is not significantly correlated with historical stability in either species.Main ConclusionsBased on the concordance between historical stability and genetic structure, Late Quaternary climate stability may have maintained population connectivity within S. botryophora and promoted intraspecific divergence in S. pseudococos. Conversely, historical stability does not seem to be driving spatial patterns of genetic diversity. This study supports the primary role of climatic stability in determining spatial population structure, but not genetic diversity, in the Atlantic Forest.

Population dynamics of Amazonian floodplain forest species support spatial variation on genetic diversity but not range expansions through time

AbstractAimThe distribution and connectivity of floodplain environments along major Amazonian rivers changed considerably over time following physiographic and climatic events. However, how historical alteration in floodplain habitats affected endemic species' demography and diversification is not fully understood. We tested if historical demographic changes of populations occurring on the floodplains of a major Amazon Basin tributary could be associated with range expansions from upper and middle sections of the river, following the establishment of widespread river‐created environments during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene.LocationSolimões River, Western Amazon, South America.TaxonMyrmoborus lugubris, Thamnophilus cryptoleucus and Myrmotherula assimilis.MethodsWe explored spatial patterns of genetic diversity and connectivity among 13 sampled localities using thousands of UltraConserved Elements. We used a total of 73 individuals of three species with populations restricted to the Solimões River. Range expansions were tested with spatial explicit methods designed to capture variations in allele frequency over space. To test whether the occupation of dynamic habitats could predict spatial patterns of genetic diversity, we quantified habitat preference for the three analysed species by creating a metric of habitat dynamicity over time.ResultsWe found considerable variation in the spatial distribution of the genetic diversity between studied taxa rejecting shared population range expansions related to historical regionalized changes in habitat availability. Species with higher levels of specialization to dynamic environments have a more heterogeneous distribution of genetic diversity and reduced levels of gene flow across space.Main conclusionsThe demographic expansions along the Solimões River might be linked to spatially homogeneous oscillation in the distribution of floodplain environments, promoting effective population size changes but not range expansion. Habitat specificity might be a good predictor of population connectivity along the Amazonian floodplains.

Lineage dynamics in growing biofilms: Spatial patterns of standing vs. de novo diversity.

Microbial biofilms show high phenotypic and genetic diversity, yet the mechanisms underlying diversity generation and maintenance remain unclear. Here, we investigate how spatial patterns of growth activity within a biofilm lead to spatial patterns of genetic diversity. Using individual-based computer simulations, we show that the active layer of growing cells at the biofilm interface controls the distribution of lineages within the biofilm, and therefore the patterns of standing and de novo diversity. Comparing biofilms of equal size, those with a thick active layer retain more standing diversity, while de novo diversity is more evenly distributed within the biofilm. In contrast, equal-sized biofilms with a thin active layer retain less standing diversity, and their de novo diversity is concentrated at the top of the biofilm, and in fewer lineages. In the context of antimicrobial resistance, biofilms with a thin active layer may be more prone to generate lineages with multiple resistance mutations, and to seed new resistant biofilms via sloughing of resistant cells from the upper layers. Our study reveals fundamental “baseline” mechanisms underlying the patterning of diversity within biofilms.

Population genetics of a recent range expansion and subsequent loss of migration in monarch butterflies.

Range expansions—whether permanent or transient—strongly influence the distribution of genetic variation in space. Monarch butterflies are best known for long‐distance seasonal migration within North America but are also established as nonmigratory populations around the world, including on Pacific Islands. Previous research has highlighted stepwise expansion across the Pacific, though questions remain about expansion timing and the population genetic consequences of migration loss. Here, we present reduced‐representation sequencing data for 275 monarchs from North America (n = 85), 12 Pacific Islands (n = 136) and three locations in Australia (n = 54), with the goal of understanding (i) how the monarch's Pacific expansion has shaped patterns of population genetic variation and (ii) how loss of migration has influenced spatial patterns of differentiation. We find support for previously described stepwise dispersal across the Pacific and document an additional expansion from Hawaii into the Mariana Islands. Nonmigratory monarchs within the Mariana Islands show strong patterns of differentiation, despite their proximity; by contrast, migratory North American samples form a single genetically panmictic population across the continent. Estimates of Pacific establishment timing are highly uncertain (~100–1,000,000 years ago) but overlap with historical records that indicate a recent expansion. Our data support (i) a recent expansion across the Pacific whose timing overlaps with available historical records of establishment and (ii) a strong role for seasonal migration in determining patterns of spatial genetic variation. Our results are noteworthy because they demonstrate how the evolution of partial migration can drive population differentiation over contemporary timescales.

RAD-sequencing improves the genetic characterization of a threatened tree peony (Paeonia ludlowii) endemic to China: Implications for conservation

Compared with traditional genetic markers, genomic approaches have proved valuable to the conservation of endangered species. Paeonia ludlowii having rarely and pure yellow flowers, is one of the world's most famous tree peonies. However, only several wild populations remain in the Yarlung Zangbo Valley (Nyingchi and Shannan regions, Xizang) in China due to increasing anthropogenic impact on the natural habitats. We used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to elucidate the spatial pattern of genetic variation, population structure and demographic history of P. ludlowii from the fragmented region comprising the entire range of this species, aiming to provide a basis for conserving the genetic resources of this species. Unlike genetic uniformity among populations revealed in previous studies, we found low but varied levels of intra-population genetic diversity, in which lower genetic diversity was detected in the population in Shannan region compared to those in Nyingzhi region. These spatial patterns may be likely associated with different population sizes caused by micro-environment differences in these two regions. Additionally, low genetic differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.0037) were detected at the species level. This line of evidence, combined with the result of significant genetic differentiation between the two closest populations and lack of isolation by distance, suggested that shared ancestry among now remnant populations rather than contemporary genetic connectivity resulted in subtle population structure. Demographic inference suggested that P. ludlowii probably experienced a temporal history of sharp population decline during the period of Last Glacial Maximum, and a subsequent bottleneck event resulting from prehistoric human activities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. All these events, together with current habitat fragment and excavation might contribute to the endangered status of P. ludlowii. Our study improved the genetic characterization of the endangered tree peony (P. ludlowii) in China, and these genetic inferences should be considered when making different in situ and ex situ conservation actions for P. ludlowii in this evolutionary hotspot region.

Population genetics reveals divergent lineages and ongoing hybridization in a declining migratory fish species complex.

Deciphering the effects of historical and recent demographic processes responsible for the spatial patterns of genetic diversity and structure is a key objective in evolutionary and conservation biology. Using population genetic analyses, we investigated the demographic history, the contemporary genetic diversity and structure, and the occurrence of hybridization and introgression of two species of anadromous fish with contrasting life history strategies and which have undergone recent demographic declines, the allis shad (Alosa alosa) and the twaite shad (Alosa fallax). We genotyped 706 individuals from 20 rivers and 5 sites at sea in Southern Europe at thirteen microsatellite markers. Genetic structure between populations was lower for the nearly semelparous species A. alosa, which disperses greater distances compared to the iteroparous species, A. fallax. Individuals caught at sea were assigned at the river level for A. fallax and at the region level for A. alosa. Using an approximate Bayesian computation framework, we inferred that the most likely long term historical divergence scenario between both species and lineages involved historical separation followed by secondary contact accompanied by strong population size decline. Accordingly, we found evidence for contemporary hybridization and bidirectional introgression due to gene flow between both species and lineages. Moreover, our results support the existence of at least one distinct species in the Mediterrannean sea: A. agone in Golfe du Lion area, and another divergent lineage in Corsica. Overall, our results shed light on the interplay between historical and recent demographic processes and life history strategies in shaping population genetic diversity and structure of closely related species. The recent demographic decline of these species' populations and their hybridization should be carefully considered while implementing conservation programs.