Increased Adaptive Variation Despite Reduced Overall Genetic Diversity in a Rapidly Adapting Invader.

ABSTRACT: Invasive species often evolve rapidly following introduction despite genetic bottlenecks that may result from small numbers of founders; however, some invasions may not fit this "genetic paradox". The invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina) displays high phenotypic variation across its introduced Australian range. Here, we used three genome-wide datasets to characterize their population structure and genetic diversity. We found that toads form three genetic clusters: 1) native range toads, 2) toads from the source population in Hawaii and long-established areas near introduction sites in Australia, and 3) toads from more recently established northern Australian sites. Although we find an overall reduction in genetic diversity following introduction, we do not see this reduction in loci

SUBMITTER: Selechnik D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6901984 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature