Record Details
Microsatellite Markers Reveal Strong Genetic Structure in the Endemic Chilean Dolphin
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Microsatellite Markers Reveal Strong Genetic Structure in the Endemic Chilean Dolphin |
| Names |
José Pérez-Alvarez, María
(creator) Olavarría, Carlos (creator) Moraga, Rodrigo (creator) Baker, C. Scott (creator) Hamner, Rebecca M. (creator) Poulin, Elie (creator) |
| Date Issued | 2015-04-21 (iso8601) |
| Note | To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article was published by the Public Library of Science and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/. |
| Abstract | Understanding genetic differentiation and speciation processes in marine species with high dispersal capabilities is challenging. The Chilean dolphin, Cephalorhynchus eutropia, is the only endemic cetacean of Chile and is found in two different coastal habitats: a northern habitat with exposed coastlines, bays and estuaries from Valparaíso (33°02' S) to Chiloé (42°00' S), and a southern habitat with highly fragmented inshore coastline, channels and fjords between Chiloé and Navarino Island (55°14' S). With the aim of evaluating the potential existence of conservation units for this species, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of the Chilean dolphin along its entire range. We genotyped 21 dinucleotide microsatellites for 53 skin samples collected between 1998 and 2012 (swab: n = 8, biopsy: n = 38, entanglement n = 7). Bayesian clustering and spatial model analyses identified two genetically distinct populations corresponding to the northern and southern habitats. Genetic diversity levels were similar in the two populations (He: 0.42 v/s 0.45 for southern and northern populations, respectively), while effective size population was higher in the southern area (Ne: 101 v/s 39). Genetic differentiation between these two populations was high and significant (F[subscript ST] = 0.15 and R[subscript ST] = 0.19), indicating little or no current gene flow. Because of the absence of evident geographical barriers between the northern and southern populations, we propose that genetic differentiation may reflect ecological adaptation to the different habitat conditions and resource uses. Therefore, the two genetic populations of this endemic and Near Threatened species should be considered as different conservation units with independent management strategies. |
| Genre | Article |
| Access Condition | http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ |
| Identifier | Pérez-Alvarez, M. J., Olavarría, C., Moraga, R., Baker, C. S., Hamner, R. M., & Poulin, E. (2015). Microsatellite Markers Reveal Strong Genetic Structure in the Endemic Chilean Dolphin. PLoS ONE, 10(4), e0123956. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123956 |
