Imprints from genetic drift and mutation imply relative divergence times across marine transition zones in a pan-European small pelagic fish (Sprattus sprattus)

• Geographic distributions of most temperate marine fishes are affected by postglacial recolonisation events, which have left complex genetic imprints on populations of marine species. This study investigated population structure and demographic history of European sprat (Sprattus sprattus L.) by combining inference from both mtDNA and microsatellite genetic markers throughout the species' distribution. We compared effects from genetic drift and mutation for both genetic markers in shaping genetic differentiation across four transition zones. Microsatellite markers revealed significant isolation by distance and a complex population structure across the species' distribution (overall theta(ST) = 0.038, P<0.01). Across transition zones markers indicated larger effects of genetic drift over mutations in the northern distribution of sprat contrasting a stronger relative impact of mutation in the species' southern distribution in the Mediterranean region. These results were interpreted to reflect more recent divergence times between northern populations in accordance with previous findings. This study demonstrates the usefulness of comparing inference from different markers and estimators of divergence for phylogeographic and population genetic studies in species with weak genetic structure, as is the case in many marine species. Heredity (2012) 109, 96-107; doi:10.1038/hdy.2012.18; published online 2 May 2012

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

transition zones

genetic drift

mutation

phylogeography

marine fish

Sprattus sprattus

anchovy engraulis-encrasicolus

cod gadus-morhua

population-structure

mitochondrial-dna

computer-program

microsatellite markers

northeast

atlantic

mediterranean sea

baltic sea

differentiation

mura k

1993

molecular biology and evolution

v10

p512

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)