Open AccessAdaptive genetic markers discriminate migratory runs of C hinook salmon ( O ncorhynchus tshawytscha ) amid continued gene flow
Author(s) -
O'Malley Kathleen G.,
Jacobson Dave P.,
Kurth Ryon,
Dill Allen J.,
Banks Michael A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
evolutionary applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 68
ISSN - 1752-4571
DOI - 10.1111/eva.12095
Subject(s) - biology , oncorhynchus , gene flow , chinook wind , offspring , gene , zoology , hatchery , genetics , ecology , evolutionary biology , genetic variation , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , pregnancy
Neutral genetic markers are routinely used to define distinct units within species that warrant discrete management. Human‐induced changes to gene flow however may reduce the power of such an approach. We tested the efficiency of adaptive versus neutral genetic markers in differentiating temporally divergent migratory runs of C hinook salmon ( O ncorhynchus tshawytscha ) amid high gene flow owing to artificial propagation and habitat alteration. We compared seven putative migration timing genes to ten microsatellite loci in delineating three migratory groups of C hinook in the F eather R iver, CA : offspring of fall‐run hatchery broodstock that returned as adults to freshwater in fall (fall run), spring‐run offspring that returned in spring (spring run), and fall‐run offspring that returned in spring ( FRS ). We found evidence for significant differentiation between the fall and federally listed threatened spring groups based on divergence at three circadian clock genes ( O ts C lock1b , O my F bxw11, and O my1009 UW ), but not neutral markers. We thus demonstrate the importance of genetic marker choice in resolving complex life history types. These findings directly impact conservation management strategies and add to previous evidence from P acific and A tlantic salmon indicating that circadian clock genes influence migration timing.