Genetic Variation in Garter Snakes After the Ice Age
Author Information
Author(s): Michael F. Westphal, Jodi L. Massie, Joanna M. Bronkema, Brian E. Smith, Theodore J. Morgan
Primary Institution: Kansas State University
Hypothesis
Does heritability of adaptive pigmentation traits in the common garter snake decline at northern latitudes?
Conclusion
The study found that heritability of pigmentation traits in postglacial garter snake populations is not significantly lower than in southern populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Genetic variance for pigmentation traits was found to be equal or higher in postglacial populations compared to southern populations.
- Heritability estimates for blotch area and pigment area were significant in both Manitoba and South Dakota populations.
- The study suggests that heritable variation may be higher in postglacial populations than in their historical counterparts.
Takeaway
Scientists studied garter snakes to see if their color traits changed after moving north. They found that the northern snakes can still pass on these traits just as well as the southern ones.
Methodology
The study used quantitative genetic analyses on full-sib families from three populations of garter snakes to assess genetic variance and heritability of pigmentation traits.
Limitations
The study could not generate usable estimates of genetic variances and heritabilities for the Kansas population due to small sample size.
Participant Demographics
The study included garter snakes from Manitoba (144 offspring), South Dakota (653 offspring), and Kansas (44 offspring).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% confidence intervals were bounded away from zero for most within-population genetic estimates.
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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