Spatial Genetic Structure of Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis) among Alaskan, Canadian, and Russian Breeding Populations
To examine nuclear microsatellite allele variation and population genetic structure in the Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) using samples from Alaska, Canada, and Russia.Abstract
For species like the Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) with limited telemetry and band-recovery information to infer population structure and migratory connectivity, genetic analyses can offer additional insights into population level differences. To examine population structure in the Long-tailed Duck, we characterized variation at mtDNA control region and microsatellite loci among four breeding areas in Alaska, Canada, and Russia. Based on mtDNA, we found significant genetic structure between the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) and the three Arctic locations (Arctic Coastal Plain in Alaska, eastern Siberia, and central Canadian Arctic). However, similar to most sea duck genetic assessments, we found no evidence of population structure based on autosomal microsatellite loci. Long-tailed Ducks use multiple wintering areas where pair formation occurs with some populations using both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This provides a greater opportunity for admixture across breeding locales, which would likely homogenize the nuclear genome even in the presence of female philopatry. The observed mtDNA differentiation was largely due to the presence of two divergent clades: (A) one clade showing signs of admixture among all breeding locales and (B) a clade primarily composed of YKD samples. We hypothesize that the pattern of mtDNA differentiation reflects some degree of philopatry to the YKD and isolation of two refugial populations with subsequent expansion and admixture. We recommend additional genetic assessments throughout the circumpolar range of Long-tailed Ducks to further quantify aspects of genetic diversity and migratory connectivity in this species.
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Contacts
Talbot, Sandra L., 907-786-7188Wilson, Robert E., 907-786-7066
Status: completed
Start Year: 1998
End Year: 2015