Patterns of Genetic And Epigenetic Diversity Across A Range Expansion in The White-Footed Mouse (Peromyscus Leucopus).

ABSTRACT: Populations at the leading front of a range expansion must rapidly adapt to novel conditions. Increased epigenetic diversity has been hypothesized to facilitate adaptation and population persistence via non-genetic phenotypic variation, especially if there is reduced genetic diversity when populations expand (i.e., epigenetic diversity compensates for low genetic diversity). In this study, we use the spatial distribution of genetic and epigenetic diversity to test this hypothesis in populations of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) sampled across a purported recent range expansion gradient. We found mixed support for the epigenetic compensation hypothesis and a lack of support for expectations for expansion populations of mice at the range edge, which likely reflects a com

SUBMITTER: Rubi TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10628966 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature