Urbanization reduces gene flow but not genetic diversity of stream salamander populations in the New York City metropolitan area.

ABSTRACT: Natural landscape heterogeneity and barriers resulting from urbanization can reduce genetic connectivity between populations. The evolutionary, demographic, and ecological effects of reduced connectivity may lead to population isolation and ultimately extinction. Alteration to the terrestrial and aquatic environment caused by urban influence can affect gene flow, specifically for stream salamanders who depend on both landscapes for survival and reproduction. To examine how urbanization affects a relatively common stream salamander species, we compared genetic connectivity of Eurycea bislineata (northern two-lined salamander) populations within and between streams in an urban, suburban, and rural habitat around the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area. We report reduced genetic conn

SUBMITTER: Fusco NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7819553 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature