Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Publication Title
Conservation Genetics
Volume
10
First Page
477
Keywords
Temporal stability, Microsatellites, Greenside Darter, Genetic structure, Dispersal, Barriers, Species range
Last Page
487
Abstract
The genetic structure of a stream-dwelling fish, the Greenside Darter, Etheostoma blennioides, is described from variation at nine microsatellite loci in 26 populations in the northern-most portions of the species’ range in southern Ontario, Canada in two sampling years. We found relatively high levels of genetic structure at the among- and within-watershed scales, with some watersheds and populations exhibiting very high divergence. The Ausable River populations were especially isolated, containing distinct populations of potential conservation concern. Temporal replicates at selected localities showed evidence of substantial temporal variation in genetic structure, perhaps resulting from movement among sites. We found strong evidence for an effect of river barriers (dams and weirs) on dispersal measured by genotype assignment techniques. However, we found no bias in upstream vs downstream dispersal. Significant isolation-by-distance relationships in both sample years indicate that river distance is an important factor regulating gene flow in these watersheds. The Canadian Greenside Darter populations are expanding their range into more northerly watersheds, but also show substantial within-watershed genetic structure despite substantial dispersal.
DOI
10.1007/s10592-008-9627-9
Recommended Citation
Beneteau, Courtney L.; Mandrak, Nicholas E.; and Heath, Daniel D.. (2009). The effects of river barriers and range expansion of the population genetic structure and stability in Greenside Darter (Etheostoma blennioides) populations. Conservation Genetics, 10, 477-487.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/glierpub/181
Included in
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Biology Commons, Marine Biology Commons