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Signatures of selection in a recent invasion reveal adaptive divergence in a highly vagile invasive species
Author(s) -
Stuart Katarina C.,
Cardilini Adam P. A.,
Cassey Phillip,
Richardson Mark F.,
Sherwin William B.,
Rollins Lee A.,
Sherman Craig D. H.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
molecular ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.619
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1365-294X
pISSN - 0962-1083
DOI - 10.1111/mec.15601
Subject(s) - biology , starling , biological dispersal , evolutionary biology , range (aeronautics) , selection (genetic algorithm) , population , local adaptation , ecology , materials science , demography , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science , composite material
Abstract A detailed understanding of population genetics in invasive populations helps us to identify drivers of successful alien introductions. Here, we investigate putative signals of selection in Australian populations of invasive common starlings, Sturnus vulgaris , and seek to understand how these have been influenced by introduction history. We used reduced representation sequencing to determine population structure, and identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that are putatively under selection. We found that since their introduction into Australia, starling populations have become genetically differentiated despite the potential for high levels of dispersal, and that starlings have responded to selective pressures imposed by a wide range of environmental conditions across their geographic range. Isolation by distance appears to have played a strong role in determining genetic substructure across the starling's Australian range. Analyses of candidate SNPs that are putatively under selection indicated that aridity, precipitation and temperature may be important factors driving adaptive variation across the starling's invasive range in Australia. However, we also noted that the historic introduction regime may leave footprints on sites flagged as being under adaptive selection, and encourage critical interpretation of selection analyses in non‐native populations.