Loss of species and genetic diversity during colonization: Insights from acanthocephalan parasites in northern European seals.

ABSTRACT: Studies on host-parasite systems that have experienced distributional shifts, range fragmentation, and population declines in the past can provide information regarding how parasite community richness and genetic diversity will change as a result of anthropogenic environmental changes in the future. Here, we studied how sequential postglacial colonization, shifts in habitat, and reduced host population sizes have influenced species richness and genetic diversity of Corynosoma (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) parasites in northern European marine, brackish, and freshwater seal populations. We collected Corynosoma population samples from Arctic, Baltic, Ladoga, and Saimaa ringed seal subspecies and Baltic gray seals, and then applied COI barcoding and triple-enzyme restriction-s

SUBMITTER: Sromek L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10585441 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature