Contrasting Patterns of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Structural Variation Across Multiple Invasions

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Genomics
• Population genetics

Background:

• Genetic divergence drives evolution and speciation.
• Structural variants (SVs) are large genomic differences influencing phenotypes.
• Invasive species offer insights into adaptation under new selection pressures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate genetic diversity patterns, specifically SVs and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in the invasive European starling (Sturnus vulgaris).
• To compare genome-wide diversity between native and invasive populations and within an invasive range.
• To understand how SVs contribute to adaptation in novel environments.

Main Methods:

• Whole genome sequencing of European starlings from native UK, invasive North America (NA), and invasive Australia (AU).
• Analysis of genome-wide SNPs and SVs to assess inter- and intra-population genetic diversity.
• Comparison of diversity patterns derived from SVs versus SNPs.

Main Results:

• Genetic diversity patterns from SVs do not always align with SNP data, particularly concerning chromosomal distribution and interpopulation comparisons.
• SVs are enriched in subtelomeric repeat regions, influencing diversity patterns.
• Balancing selection levels differ between SNPs and SVs in the native range.

Conclusions:

• The processes shaping allelic diversity within populations are complex.
• SV diversity patterns can diverge from SNP patterns due to factors like chromosomal location and selection pressures.
• Further research on SVs across taxa is needed to understand their role in evolution and adaptation, complementing SNP-based studies.