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Differing, multiscale landscape effects on genetic diversity and differentiation in eastern chipmunks
Elizabeth M Kierepka1, Sara J Anderson2, Robert K Swihart3
1Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. Liz.Kierepka@gmail.com.
Heredity
|January 11, 2020
Summary
Habitat fragmentation impacts genetic variation differently across spatial scales. Matrix quality influences genetic differentiation, while configuration affects genetic diversity, highlighting the need for multiscale landscape genetics studies.
Area of Science:
- Landscape genetics
- Conservation biology
- Population genetics
Background:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation are key drivers of genetic variation loss.
- Previous studies often used single spatial scales, limiting understanding of landscape impacts.
- Both genetic diversity and differentiation are crucial for predicting population persistence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how landscape heterogeneity influences genetic diversity and differentiation.
- To examine these influences at multiple spatial scales.
- To assess the role of habitat amount, configuration, and matrix quality.
Main Methods:
- Studied eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) across 31 independent landscapes.
- Sampled genetic data at two distinct spatial scales.
- Analyzed genetic diversity and differentiation in relation to landscape context.
Main Results:
- Intervening matrix quality correlated with genetic differentiation across scales.
- Landscape configuration was associated with regional genetic diversity.
- Habitat amount did not significantly impact genetic diversity or differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Landscape effects on genetic variation are scale-dependent and vary by genetic metric.
- Replicated, multiscale studies are essential for robust landscape genetics research.
- Findings underscore the complexity of predicting population persistence under fragmentation.
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