Invasive species and postglacial colonization: their effects on the genetic diversity of a Patagonian fish.

ABSTRACT: The present distribution of Patagonian species is the result of a complex history involving Quaternary refugial populations, Holocene range expansions and demographic changes occurring during the Anthropocene. Invasive salmonids were introduced in Patagonia during the last century, occupying most rivers and lakes, preying on and competing with native species, including the fish Galaxias platei. Here, we used G. platei as a case study to understand how long-term (i.e. population differentiation during the Holocene) and short-term historical processes (salmonid introductions) affect genetic diversity. Using a suite of microsatellite markers, we found that the number of alleles is negatively correlated with the presence of salmonids (short-term processes), with G. platei populations from lake

SUBMITTER: Vera-Escalona I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6408905 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature