z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Combining Bayesian genetic clustering and ecological niche modeling: Insights into wolf intraspecific genetic structure
Author(s) -
Milanesi Pietro,
Caniglia Romolo,
Fabbri Elena,
Puopolo Felice,
Galaverni Marco,
Holderegger Rolf
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.4594
Subject(s) - intraspecific competition , ecological niche , ecology , genetic structure , biological dispersal , biology , niche segregation , niche , evolutionary biology , generalist and specialist species , genetic variation , environmental niche modelling , genetic diversity , population , population genetics , habitat , genetics , gene , demography , sociology
The distribution of intraspecific genetic variation and how it relates to environmental factors is of increasing interest to researchers in macroecology and biogeography. Recent studies investigated the relationships between the environment and patterns of intraspecific genetic variation across species ranges but only few rigorously tested the relation between genetic groups and their ecological niches. We quantified the relationship of genetic differentiation ( F ST ) and the overlap of ecological niches (as measured by n ‐dimensional hypervolumes) among genetic groups resulting from spatial Bayesian genetic clustering in the wolf ( Canis lupus ) in the Italian peninsula. Within the Italian wolf population, four genetic clusters were detected, and these clusters showed different ecological niches. Moreover, different wolf clusters were significantly related to differences in land cover and human disturbance features. Such differences in the ecological niches of genetic clusters should be interpreted in light of neutral processes that hinder movement, dispersal, and gene flow among the genetic clusters, in order to not prematurely assume any selective or adaptive processes. In the present study, we found that both the plasticity of wolves—a habitat generalist—to cope with different environmental conditions and the occurrence of barriers that limit gene flow lead to the formation of genetic intraspecific genetic clusters and their distinct ecological niches.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here