The genomic footprint of whaling and isolation in fin whale populations

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Sept. 12, 2023

Abstract Twentieth century industrial whaling pushed several species to the brink of extinction, with fin whales being most impacted. However, a small, resident population in Gulf California was not targeted by whaling. Here, we analyzed 50 whole-genomes from Eastern North Pacific (ENP) and (GOC) whale populations investigate their demographic history genomic effects natural human-induced bottlenecks. We show that two diverged ~16,000 years ago, after which ENP expanded then suffered 99% reduction effective size during period. In contrast, GOC remained small isolated, receiving less than one migrant per generation. this low level migration has been crucial for maintaining its viability. Our study exposes severity whaling, emphasizes importance migration, demonstrates use genome-based analyses simulations inform conservation strategies.

Language: Английский

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Using Computational Simulations to Model Deleterious Variation and Genetic Load in Natural Populations

The American Naturalist, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 202(6), P. 737 - 752

Published: July 17, 2023

AbstractDeleterious genetic variation is abundant in wild populations, and understanding the ecological conservation implications of such an area active research. Genomic methods are increasingly used to quantify impacts deleterious natural populations; however, these approaches remain limited by inability accurately predict selective dominance effects mutations. Computational simulations offer a complementary tool that can help overcome limitations, although have yet be widely employed. In this perspective article, we aim encourage genomics researchers adopt greater use computational aid deepening our populations. We first provide overview components simulation variation, describing key parameters involved models. Next, discuss several for validating Finally, compare validate recently proposed mutation models, demonstrating models based on estimates selection from experimental systems biased toward highly describe new model supported multiple orthogonal lines evidence example scripts implementing (https://github.com/ckyriazis/simulations_review).

Language: Английский

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Demographic history and genomic consequences of 10,000 generations of isolation in a wild mammal

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 33(10), P. 2051 - 2062.e4

Published: May 1, 2023

Increased human activities caused the isolation of populations in many species—often associated with genetic depletion and negative fitness effects. The effects are predicted by theory, but long-term data from natural scarce. We show, full genome sequences, that common voles (Microtus arvalis) Orkney archipelago have remained genetically isolated conspecifics continental Europe since their introduction humans over 5,000 years ago. Modern vole highly differentiated as a result drift processes. Colonization likely started on biggest island smaller islands were gradually split off, without signs secondary admixture. Despite having large modern population sizes, depauperate successive introductions to resulted further reduction diversity. detected high levels fixation deleterious variation compared populations, particularly islands, yet realized nature unknown. Simulations showed predominantly mildly mutations fixed while purged early history population. Relaxation selection overall due benign environmental conditions soft may contributed repeated, successful establishment despite potential loss. Furthermore, specific life these small mammals, resulting relatively has probably been important for persistence isolation.

Language: Английский

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DNA-based studies and genetic diversity indicator assessments are complementary approaches to conserving evolutionary potential

Conservation Genetics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 25(6), P. 1147 - 1153

Published: Aug. 21, 2024

Abstract Genetic diversity is essential for maintaining healthy populations and ecosystems. Several approaches have recently been developed to evaluate population genetic trends without necessarily collecting new data. Such “genetic indicators” enable rapid, large-scale evaluation across dozens thousands of species. Empirical studies, when available, provide detailed information that important management, such as estimates gene flow, inbreeding, erosion adaptation. In this article, we argue the development advancement indicators a complementary approach studies in conservation biology, but not substitute. empirical data can different conserving diversity. affordable tracking, reporting, prioritization communication, although, being proxies, do comprehensive status Conversely, methods offer analysis given species or population, although they remain challenging implement most globally, current capacity resourcing. We conclude are both actions recommend be used combination monitoring

Language: Английский

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Genomes of endangered great hammerhead and shortfin mako sharks reveal historic population declines and high levels of inbreeding in great hammerhead

iScience, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 26(1), P. 105815 - 105815

Published: Dec. 17, 2022

Despite increasing threats of extinction to Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays), whole genome-based conservation insights are lacking. Here, we present chromosome-level genome assemblies for the Critically Endangered great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) sharks, with genetic diversity historical demographic comparisons other shark species. The exhibited low variation, 8.7% 2.77 Gbp in runs homozygosity (ROH) > 1 Mbp 74.4% ROH >100 kbp. 4.98 had considerably greater <1% Mbp. Both these sharks experienced precipitous declines effective population size (Ne) over last 250 thousand years. While a large Ne that may have enabled retention higher genomic data suggest possibly more concerning picture hammerhead, need evaluation additional individuals.

Language: Английский

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