Range-wide genetic structure in the thorn-tailed rayadito suggests limited gene flow towards peripheral populations.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the population genetic consequences of habitat heterogeneity requires assessing whether patterns of gene flow correspond to landscape configuration. Studies of the genetic structure of populations are still scarce for Neotropical forest birds. We assessed range-wide genetic structure and contemporary gene flow in the thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), a passerine bird inhabiting the temperate forests of South America. We used 12 microsatellite loci to genotype 582 individuals from eight localities across a large latitudinal range (30°S-56°S). Using population structure metrics, multivariate analyses, clustering algorithms, and Bayesian methods, we found evidence for moderately low regional genetic structure and reduced gene flow towards the range margins. Genetic

SUBMITTER: Botero-Delgadillo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7287099 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature