Identification of a contact zone and hybridization for two subspecies of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) within a single protected area.

ABSTRACT: Genetic variation is the basis upon which natural selection acts to yield evolutionary change. In a rapidly changing environment, increasing genetic variation should increase evolutionary potential, particularly for small, isolated populations. However, the introduction of new alleles, either through natural or human-mediated processes, may have unpredictable consequences such as outbreeding depression. In this study, we identified a contact zone and limited gene flow between historically separated genetic lineages of American pikas (Ochotona princeps), representing the northern and southern Rocky Mountain subspecies, within Rocky Mountain National Park. The limited spatial extent of gene flow observed may be the result of geographic barriers to dispersal, selection against hybrid individu

SUBMITTER: Castillo Vardaro JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6040701 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature