Anthropogenic transport of species across native ranges: unpredictable genetic and evolutionary consequences.

ABSTRACT: Human activities are responsible for the translocation of vast amounts of organisms, altering natural patterns of dispersal and gene flow. Most research to date has focused on the consequences of anthropogenic transportation of non-indigenous species within introduced ranges, with little research focusing on native species. Here, we compared genetic patterns of the sessile marine invertebrate, Ciona intestinalis, which has highly restricted dispersal capabilities. We collected individuals in a region of the species' native range where human activities that are known to facilitate the artificial spread of species are prevalent. Using microsatellite markers, we revealed highly dissimilar outcomes. First, we found low levels of genetic differentiation among sites separated by both short and l

SUBMITTER: Hudson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5095196 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature