Genome-scale sampling suggests cryptic epigenetic structuring and insular divergence in Canada lynx

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Population Genetics
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Identifying adaptive differentiation in wild, mobile species with high gene flow is challenging.
• Canada lynx populations show little differentiation at neutral genetic markers despite environmental and phenotypic variation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neutral genetic structure and epigenetic differentiation across the Canada lynx's range.
• To explore the role of epigenetic modifications in population differentiation and adaptation.

Main Methods:

• High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze neutral genetic markers.
• Epigenetic differentiation, specifically DNA methylation patterns, was assessed across populations.
• Demographic modeling was used to estimate divergence times.

Main Results:

• Newfoundland lynx were the most genetically differentiated population, diverging 20-33 KYA.
• Epigenetic analysis revealed hidden differentiation linked to environmental factors, especially winter conditions.
• Differential DNA methylation was observed in pathways related to morphology, particularly in peripheral populations.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, provide powerful insights into population differentiation.
• Epigenetics may explain observed morphological differences in geographically peripheral Canada lynx populations.
• This study underscores the importance of epigenetics in understanding adaptation in wild species.