Andean and California condors possess dissimilar genetic composition but exhibit similar demographic histories.

ABSTRACT: While genetic diversity of threatened species is a major concern of conservation biologists, historic patterns of genetic variation are often unknown. A powerful approach to assess patterns and processes of genetic erosion is via ancient DNA techniques. Herein, we analyzed mtDNA from historical samples (1800s to present) of Andean Condors (Vultur gryphus) to investigate whether contemporary low genetic variability is the result of recent human expansion and persecution, and compared this genetic history to that of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus).We then explored historic demographies for both species via coalescent simulations. We found that Andean condors have lost at least 17% of their genetic variation in the early 20th century. Unlike California condors, howe

SUBMITTER: Padro J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7713948 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature