Distinguishing recent dispersal from historical genetic connectivity in the coastal California gnatcatcher.

ABSTRACT: Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to biodiversity worldwide. We studied the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on genetic connectivity and diversity among local aggregations of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) across its U.S. range. With a dataset of 268 individuals genotyped at 19 microsatellite loci, we analyzed genetic structure across the range using clustering analyses, exact tests for population differentiation, and a pedigree analysis to examine the spatial distribution of first-order relatives throughout the study area. In addition, we developed a habitat suitability model and related percent suitable habitat to genetic diversity indices within aggregations at two spatial scales. We detected a single genetic cluster across the

SUBMITTER: Vandergast AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6362141 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature