Population connectivity buffers genetic diversity loss in a seabird.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ancient DNA has revolutionized conservation genetic studies as it allows monitoring of the genetic variability of species through time and predicting the impact of ecosystems' threats on future population dynamics and viability. Meanwhile, the consequences of anthropogenic activities and climate change to island faunas, particularly seabirds, remain largely unknown. In this study, we examined temporal changes in the genetic diversity of a threatened seabird, the Cory's shearwater (Calonectris borealis).

Findings

We analysed the mitochondrial DNA control region of ancient bone samples from the late-Holocene retrieved from the Canary archipelago (NE Atlantic) together with modern DNA sequences representative of the entire breeding range of the species. Our results s

SUBMITTER: Ramirez O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3662614 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature