When east meets west: population structure of a high-latitude resident species, the boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus).

ABSTRACT: The population genetic structure of northern boreal species has been strongly influenced both by the Quaternary glaciations and the presence of contemporary barriers, such as mountain ranges and rivers. We used a combination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), nuclear microsatellites and spatial distribution modelling to study the population genetic structure of the boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus), a resident passerine, and to investigate whether historical or contemporary barriers have influenced this northern species. MtDNA data showed evidence of eastern and western groups, with secondary admixture occurring in central Canada. This suggests that the boreal chickadee probably persisted in multiple glacial refugia, one in Beringia and at least one in the east. Palaeo-distribution modellin

SUBMITTER: Lait LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3807262 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature