Female dispersal and gene flow

Low High

Male dispersal

and geneflow

Low

High

Geographic structure in… mtDNA-- yes Autosomal genes-- yes Y-linked genes-- yesDemographic autonomy-- yes

Geographic structure in… mtDNA-- yes Autosomal genes-- no Y-linked genes-- noDemographic autonomy-- yes

Geographic structure in… mtDNA-- no Autosomal genes-- no Y-linked genes-- ***Demographic autonomy-- ***

Geographic structure in… mtDNA-- no Autosomal genes-- no Y-linked genes-- noDemographic autonomy-- no

Relationship between population genetic structure and gender specific dispersal and gene flow

Using “acquired” markers to complement molecular studies

Measuring isotope ratios in tissues

Measuring parsite loads

Physical tags (e.g. bird bands)

Radio transmitters

Can tell you about the movements and spatial preferences of animals.

Are not transmitted across generations so do not provide historical data.

Some Examples:

Breeding area Non-breeding area

FreshwaterFishes

Genetic markers

Acquired markers

Population structure registered by

High High

VagileFishes ocean ocean

AnadromousFishes

Low Low

stream ocean High Low*

CatadromousFishes streamocean

Low High

*

acquired

acquired

individuals sampled here

individuals sampled here

Mixed-Stock Assessments of Fish Introductions

Some examples and outcomes:

Hybridization was observed among landlocked brown trout and introduced anadromous forms in the Conwy River of N. Wales, but introduced forms in Spain went extinct.

diagnostic salmon markers

for anadromous forms?

See Figure 9.4

streams

Mixed Stock Analysis in Conservation Biology

Loggerhead Turtle

Caretta caretta 20,000 caught in swordfish longlinesin Mediterraneaneach year (~20% die).

Only 50% of the catch originate fromMediterranean Beaches.

Determined using maximum likelihood analysis of mtDNA

Evolutionary verses Management Units

At a shallow-level:

MU: Any population that exchanges so few migrants withothers as to be genetically distinct from them willnormally also be demographically independent.

e.g. rookeries of sea turtles in the same ocean basin

At a deeper level:

EU: One or a set of populations with a distinct long-term evolutionary history mostly separate from that of

other such units.

e.g. Pacific rookeries vs Atlantic rookeries (figure 6.5)

Molecular Analyses Have Revealed EUs When They Weren’t Expected

African elephants (Loxodonta)

As a result of molecular analysestwo species are now recognized:

L. Africana and L. cyclotisSee Figure 9.6 and Table 9.3

Molecular Analyses Have Failed to Reveal EUs When They Were Expected

Dusky Seaside sparrowAvise and Nelson, 1989

Driven to extinction, many thought it was a distinctevolutionary lineage.

But see Figure 9.7

Guidelines for Conserving Phylogeographic Diversity

Limit unnecessary transplantations.• There are concerns even when transplanting pops within species.• The burden of proof should be on the advocates of the transplantation.

Design regional reserves.• Identify areas that contain sources of phylogeographic diversity…..”phylogeographic parks”

• Focus on preserving biodiversity rather than preserving special features of the landscape.

Cyprinodondesert pupfish

Recognition of Endangered Species

Continued support for the Endangered Species Act and CITES

Under ESA: listings maybe made for a species, a subspecies, or a distinct population segment (shares common lineage). “Endangered” = At risk of extinction throughout all or a

significant portion of its range

“Threatened” = Likely to become endangered in theforeseeable future.

Molecular Forensics

Numerous examples where molecular markers have been used to identify the species or geographical source of a commercial animal product.

Table 9.5

Figure 9.9

Show Tsukiji Fish Market Slides

Ranking Taxa For Conservation

In Management Practice: • Rarity• Restricted distribution• Ecological importance• Charisma• Economics• Management feasibility• Phylogenetic distinctiveness

Figure 9.13