| 1. |
- Dalen, Love, et al.
(author)
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Partial Genetic Turnover in Neandertals : Continuity in the East and Population Replacement in the West
- 2012
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In: Molecular biology and evolution. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0737-4038 .- 1537-1719. ; 29:8, s. 1893-1897
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Remarkably little is known about the population-level processes leading up to the extinction of the neandertal. To examine this, we use mitochondrial DNA sequences from 13 neandertal individuals, including a novel sequence from northern Spain, to examine neandertal demographic history. Our analyses indicate that recent western European neandertals (< 48 kyr) constitute a tightly defined group with low mitochondrial genetic variation in comparison with both eastern and older (> 48 kyr) European neandertals. Using control region sequences, Bayesian demographic simulations provide higher support for a model of population fragmentation followed by separate demographic trajectories in subpopulations over a null model of a single stable population. The most parsimonious explanation for these results is that of a population turnover in western Europe during early Marine Isotope Stage 3, predating the arrival of anatomically modern humans in the region.
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| 2. |
- Díez-del-Molino, David, et al.
(author)
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Population genomics reveals lack of greater white-fronted introgression into the Swedish lesser white-fronted goose
- 2020
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 10:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Interspecific introgression is considered a potential threat to endangered taxa. One example where this has had a major impact on conservation policy is the lesser white-fronted goose (LWfG). After a dramatic decline in Sweden, captive breeding birds were released between 1981–1999 with the aim to reinforce the population. However, the detection of greater white-fronted goose (GWfG) mitochondrial DNA in the LWfG breeding stock led to the release program being dismantled, even though the presence of GWfG introgression in the actual wild Swedish LWfG population was never documented. To examine this, we sequenced the complete genomes of 21 LWfG birds from the Swedish, Russian and Norwegian populations, and compared these with genomes from other goose species, including the GWfG. We found no evidence of interspecific introgression into the wild Swedish LWfG population in either nuclear genomic or mitochondrial data. Moreover, Swedish LWfG birds are genetically distinct from the Russian and Norwegian populations and display comparatively low genomic diversity and high levels of inbreeding. Our findings highlight the utility of genomic approaches in providing scientific evidence that can help improve conservation management as well as policies for breeding and reinforcement programmes.
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| 3. |
- Lagerholm, Vendela K., et al.
(author)
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Range shifts or extinction? Ancient DNA and distribution modelling reveal past and future responses to climate warming in cold-adapted birds
- 2017
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In: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 23:4, s. 1425-1435
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Global warming is predicted to cause substantial habitat rearrangements, with the most severe effects expected to occur in high-latitude biomes. However, one major uncertainty is whether species will be able to shift their ranges to keep pace with climate-driven environmental changes. Many recent studies on mammals have shown that past range contractions have been associated with local extinctions rather than survival by habitat tracking. Here, we have used an interdisciplinary approach that combines ancient DNA techniques, coalescent simulations and species distribution modelling, to investigate how two common cold-adapted bird species, willow and rock ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus and Lagopus muta), respond to long-term climate warming. Contrary to previous findings in mammals, we demonstrate a genetic continuity in Europe over the last 20 millennia. Results from back-casted species distribution models suggest that this continuity may have been facilitated by uninterrupted habitat availability and potentially also the greater dispersal ability of birds. However, our predictions show that in the near future, some isolated regions will have little suitable habitat left, implying a future decrease in local populations at a scale unprecedented since the last glacial maximum.
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| 4. |
- Palkopoulou, Eleftheria, et al.
(author)
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Holarctic genetic structure and range dynamics in the woolly mammoth
- 2013
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In: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Biological Sciences. - : The Royal Society. - 0962-8452 .- 1471-2954. ; 280:1770, s. 20131910-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ancient DNA analyses have provided enhanced resolution of population histories in many Pleistocene taxa. However, most studies are spatially restricted, making inference of species-level biogeographic histories difficult. Here, we analyse mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in the woolly mammoth from across its Holarctic range to reconstruct its history over the last 200 thousand years (kyr). We identify a previously undocumented major mtDNA lineage in Europe, which was replaced by another major mtDNA lineage 32-34 kyr before present (BP). Coalescent simulations provide support for demographic expansions at approximately 121 kyr BP, suggesting that the previous interglacial was an important driver for demography and intraspecific genetic divergence. Furthermore, our results suggest an expansion into Eurasia from America around 66 kyr BP, coinciding with the first exposure of the Bering Land Bridge during the Late Pleistocene. Bayesian inference indicates Late Pleistocene demographic stability until 20-15 kyr BP, when a severe population size decline occurred.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Dussex, Nicolas, et al.
(author)
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Biomolecular analyses reveal the age, sex and species identity of a near-intact Pleistocene bird carcass
- 2020
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In: Communications biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ancient remains found in permafrost represent a rare opportunity to study past ecosystems. Here, we present an exceptionally well-preserved ancient bird carcass found in the Siberian permafrost, along with a radiocarbon date and a reconstruction of its complete mitochondrial genome. The carcass was radiocarbon dated to approximately 44-49 ka BP, and was genetically identified as a female horned lark. This is a species that usually inhabits open habitat, such as the steppe environment that existed in Siberia at the time. This near-intact carcass highlights the potential of permafrost remains for evolutionary studies that combine both morphology and ancient nucleic acids. Nicolas Dussex et al. identify a 44,000-49,000 year old bird found in Siberian permafrost as a female horned lark using ancient DNA. This exceptionally well-preserved specimen illustrates the potential contribution to science of permafrost deposits, such as the study of ecology and evolution of ancient ecosystems, calibration of molecular clocks, and furthering our understanding of processes such as biological regulation and gene expression in relation to climate change.
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| 7. |
- Nyström, Veronica, et al.
(author)
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Microsatellite genotyping reveals end-Pleistocene decline in mammoth autosomal genetic variation
- 2012
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In: Molecular Ecology. - 0962-1083 .- 1365-294X. ; 21:14, s. 3391-3402
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The last glaciation was a dynamic period with strong impact on the demography of many species and populations. In recent years, mitochondrial DNA sequences retrieved from radiocarbon-dated remains have provided novel insights into the history of Late Pleistocene populations. However, genotyping of loci from the nuclear genome may provide enhanced resolution of population-level changes. Here, we use four autosomal microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the demographic history of woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) in north-eastern Siberia from before 60 000 years ago up until the species final disappearance c. 4000 years ago. We identified two genetic groups, implying a marked temporal genetic differentiation between samples with radiocarbon ages older than 12 thousand radiocarbon years before present (ka) and those younger than 9 ka. Simulation-based analysis indicates that this dramatic change in genetic composition, which included a decrease in individual heterozygosity of approximately 30%, was due to a multifold reduction in effective population size. A corresponding reduction in genetic variation was also detected in the mitochondrial DNA, where about 65% of the diversity was lost. We observed no further loss in genetic variation during the Holocene, which suggests a rapid final extinction event.
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| 8. |
- Valdiosera, Cristina, et al.
(author)
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Typing single polymorphic nucleotides in mitochondrial DNA as a way to access Middle Pleistocene DNA
- 2006
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In: Biology Letters. - : The Royal Society. - 1744-9561 .- 1744-957X. ; 2:4, s. 601-603
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study, we have used a technique designed to target short fragments containing informative mitochondrial substitutions to extend the temporal limits of DNA recovery and study the molecular phylogeny of Ursus deningeri. We present a cladistic analysis using DNA recovered from 400 kyr old U. deningeri remains, which demonstrates U. deningeri's relation to Ursus spelaeus. This study extends the limits of recovery from skeletal remains by almost 300 kyr. Plant material from permafrost environments has yielded DNA of this age in earlier studies, and our data suggest that DNA in teeth from cave environments may be equally well preserved.
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| 9. |
- Laikre, Linda, 1960-, et al.
(author)
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Planned cull endangers Swedish wolf population
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 377:6602
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In May, the Swedish Parliament announced a goal to reduce the Swedish wolf population from about 400 to about 200 individuals (1). This action further threatens this highly endangered population, which is genetically isolated and inbred. Scientific advice for improvements has not been implemented (2, 3).The Swedish Parliament proposed this drastic cull at a time when biodiversity is a global focus. The 50-year anniversary of the first UN conference on the environment was celebrated in June, and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will soon finalize its global biodiversity framework for 2020 to 2050. Sweden’s actions are inconsistent with the country’s obligations under the CBD and European Union law.Few wild populations are as well studied as the Scandinavian wolf. Genetic monitoring has provided a full pedigree since the population was reestablished in the 1980s after extinction, and the data confirm persisting genetic isolation (4–6). Hunting, conducted both legally and illegally, has prevented population expansion and the influx of genetic variation.Three founders comprised the population’s genetic origin until 2007, and only three more wolves have subsequently contributed genetically to the present population (6). The genetic base is thus extremely narrow, and genomic erosion has been confirmed (7, 8). The average level of inbreeding is similar to the level found in the offspring of two full siblings (6). Inbreeding in this population has been shown to reduce litter size (4). Also, high frequencies of anatomical defects (9) and male reproductive disorders (10) have been observed.To make this population viable, population size and immigration must increase. So far, the population has been too small, and limited immigration followed by inbreeding could lead to extinction, similar to the Isle Royale wolf population (11). The goal should be to recreate a well-connected metapopulation spanning Scandinavia and Finland with a genetically effective population size of over 500, in line with the proposed CBD indicator (12). Considerably more genetic exchange than the current one-migrant-per-generation aim is needed (3).
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| 10. |
- Mellows, Andrew, et al.
(author)
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The impact of past climate change on genetic variation and population connectivity in the Icelandic arctic fox
- 2012
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In: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Biological Sciences. - : The Royal Society. - 0962-8452 .- 1471-2954. ; 279:1747, s. 4568-4573
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous studies have suggested that the presence of sea ice is an important factor in facilitating migration and determining the degree of genetic isolation among contemporary arctic fox populations. Because the extent of sea ice is dependent upon global temperatures, periods of significant cooling would have had a major impact on fox population connectivity and genetic variation. We tested this hypothesis by extracting and sequencing mitochondrial control region sequences from 17 arctic foxes excavated from two late-ninth-century to twelfth-century AD archaeological sites in northeast Iceland, both of which predate the Little Ice Age (approx. sixteenth to nineteenth century). Despite the fact that five haplotypes have been observed in modern Icelandic foxes, a single haplotype was shared among all of the ancient individuals. Results from simulations within an approximate Bayesian computation framework suggest that the rapid increase in Icelandic arctic fox haplotype diversity can only be explained by sea-ice-mediated fox immigration facilitated by the Little Ice Age.
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