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Fluctuating fine-scale spatial genetic structure in the common shrews (Eulipotyphla, Mammalia)
Nikolay A Shchipanov1, Artem V Artamonov1, Sergey V Titov2
1A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Integrative Zoology
|September 2, 2022
Summary
Spatial genetic structure in common shrews (Sorex araneus) shows significant patterns within 500m, influenced by resident activity. Genetic differences between populations were notable, suggesting dynamic population structures.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and evolutionary biology
- Population genetics
- Spatial analysis
Background:
- Spatial genetic structure is crucial for understanding ecological and evolutionary processes.
- Investigating fine-scale genetic patterns provides insights into population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the fine-scale spatial genetic structure of common shrew (Sorex araneus) populations.
- To identify the scales at which genetic structure is detectable and its correlation with demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multilocus autocorrelation analysis with hypervariable microsatellite genetic markers.
- Examined 5 local populations of Sorex araneus across distances of 300-1000m.
- Analyzed spatial genetic autocorrelation at scales from 25m to 500m.
Main Results:
- A consistent pattern of significant positive spatial genetic structure was detected within 500m.
- Weaker genetic structure correlated with a higher ratio of nonresident to resident individuals.
- Significant genetic differentiation (FST) was observed between populations, independent of geographic distance.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a dynamic genetic structure in Sorex araneus populations, characterized by periodic relatedness and allelic renewal.
- Proposed a model of genetic structure dynamics involving fluctuating relatedness and random population differentiation.
- Findings highlight the importance of fine-scale spatial analysis in population genetics.
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