Evolution of adaptive diversity and genetic connectivity in Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in Iceland.

ABSTRACT: The ecological theory of adaptive radiation predicts that the evolution of phenotypic diversity within species is generated by divergent natural selection arising from different environments and competition between species. Genetic connectivity among populations is likely also to have an important role in both the origin and maintenance of adaptive genetic diversity. Our goal was to evaluate the potential roles of genetic connectivity and natural selection in the maintenance of adaptive phenotypic differences among morphs of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, in Iceland. At a large spatial scale, we tested the predictive power of geographic structure and phenotypic variation for patterns of neutral genetic variation among populations throughout Iceland. At a smaller scale, we evaluated the

SUBMITTER: Kapralova KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3131972 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature