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Population differentiation and evolution in the common guillemot Uria aalge
V L Friesen1, W A Montevecchi, A J Baker
1Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Canada. friesenv@biology.queensu.ca
Molecular Ecology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Genetic analysis of common guillemots (Uria aalge) reveals distinct Atlantic and Pacific populations, with variation likely shaped by Pleistocene glaciations and secondary contact. This contrasts with Brünnich
Area of Science:
- Avian Ecology
- Population Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Common (Uria aalge) and Brünnich's guillemots (U. lomvia) are colonial seabirds with similar life histories.
- Geographic variation in common guillemot morphology is greater than in Brünnich's guillemot.
- Previous studies showed limited genetic differentiation in North Atlantic Brünnich's guillemot populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if greater morphological variability in common guillemots correlates with higher genetic variability.
- To analyze genetic differentiation among common guillemot populations across the Northern Hemisphere.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of the cytochrome b gene from 160 common guillemots across 10 colonies.
- Analysis of genotype frequencies and phylogenetic relationships.
- Examination of sequence variation patterns.
Main Results:
- Atlantic and Pacific common guillemot populations are genetically distinct.
- Genetic divergence suggests separation by Pleistocene glaciers and the Bering Landbridge.
- Cytochrome b genotype frequencies indicate secondary contact between two Pleistocene refugial populations in the Atlantic.
Conclusions:
- Morphological variation in common guillemots reflects significant genetic differentiation.
- Population structure is influenced by historical geological events and habitat suitability.
- Atlantic Brünnich's guillemot populations show recent expansion from a single refugial source, unlike common guillemots.