Genic distribution modelling predicts adaptation of the bank vole to climate change.

ABSTRACT: The most likely pathway for many species to survive future climate change is by pre-existing trait variation providing a fitness advantage under the new climate. Here we evaluate the potential role of haemoglobin (Hb) variation in bank voles under future climate change. We model gene-climate relationships for two functionally distinct Hb types, HbS and HbF, which have a north-south distribution in Britain presenting an unusually tractable system linking genetic variation in physiology to geographical and temporal variation in climate. Projections to future climatic conditions suggest a change in relative climatic suitability that would result in HbS being displaced by HbF in northern Britain. This would facilitate local adaptation to future climate-without Hb displacement, populations in n

SUBMITTER: Escalante MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9481625 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature