Parallel adaptive evolution of geographically distant herring populations on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean.

ABSTRACT: Atlantic herring is an excellent species for studying the genetic basis of adaptation in geographically distant populations because of its characteristically large population sizes and low genetic drift. In this study we compared whole-genome resequencing data of Atlantic herring populations from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. An important finding was the very low degree of genetic differentiation among geographically distant populations (fixation index = 0.026), suggesting lack of reproductive isolation across the ocean. This feature of the Atlantic herring facilitates the detection of genetic factors affecting adaptation because of the sharp contrast between loci showing genetic differentiation resulting from natural selection and the low background noise resulting from genetic drift.

SUBMITTER: Lamichhaney S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5410801 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature