Implications of the circumpolar genetic structure of polar bears for their conservation in a rapidly warming Arctic.

ABSTRACT: We provide an expansive analysis of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) circumpolar genetic variation during the last two decades of decline in their sea-ice habitat. We sought to evaluate whether their genetic diversity and structure have changed over this period of habitat decline, how their current genetic patterns compare with past patterns, and how genetic demography changed with ancient fluctuations in climate. Characterizing their circumpolar genetic structure using microsatellite data, we defined four clusters that largely correspond to current ecological and oceanographic factors: Eastern Polar Basin, Western Polar Basin, Canadian Archipelago and Southern Canada. We document evidence for recent (ca. last 1-3 generations) directional gene flow from Southern Canada and the Eastern Polar Ba

SUBMITTER: Peacock E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4285400 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature