Population structure and dispersal patterns within and between Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of a large-range pelagic seabird.

ABSTRACT: Dispersal is critically linked to the demographic and evolutionary trajectories of populations, but in most seabird species it may be difficult to estimate. Using molecular tools, we explored population structure and the spatial dispersal pattern of a highly pelagic but philopatric seabird, the Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea. Microsatellite fragments were analysed from samples collected across almost the entire breeding range of the species. To help disentangle the taxonomic status of the two subspecies described, the Atlantic form C. d. borealis and the Mediterranean form C. d. diomedea, we analysed genetic divergence between subspecies and quantified both historical and recent migration rates between the Mediterranean and Atlantic basins. We also searched for evidence of isolatio

SUBMITTER: Genovart M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3741395 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature