Disentangling reasons for low Y chromosome variation in the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula).

ABSTRACT: Y chromosome variation is determined by several confounding factors including mutation rate, effective population size, demography, and selection. Disentangling these factors is essential to better understand the evolutionary properties of the Y chromosome. We analyzed genetic variation on the Y chromosome, X chromosome, and mtDNA of the greater white-toothed shrew, a species with low variance in male reproductive success and limited sex-biased dispersal, which enables us to control to some extent for life-history effects. We also compared ancestral (Moroccan) to derived (European) populations to investigate the role of demographic history in determining Y variation. Recent colonization of Europe by a small number of founders (combined with low mutation rates) is largely responsible for lo

SUBMITTER: Handley LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1526517 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature