House Mice in the Atlantic Region: Genetic Signals of Their Human Transport
Author Information
Author(s): Gabriel Sofia I., Hughes Jonathan J., Herman Jeremy S., Baines John F., Giménez Mabel D., Gray Melissa M., Hardouin Emilie A., Payseur Bret A., Ryan Peter G., Sánchez-Chardi Alejandro, Ulrich Rainer G., Mathias Maria da Luz, Searle Jeremy B.
Primary Institution: CESAM—Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa
Hypothesis
How did house mice colonize the Atlantic region through human transport?
Conclusion
The study reveals that house mice in the Atlantic region have diverse colonization sources, primarily from Northern and Southern Europe, with significant historical links to human maritime activities.
Supporting Evidence
- The study compiled a dataset of 758 haplotypes from 2765 mice.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed five distinct clades of house mice.
- Statistical tests indicated significant differences in clade characteristics among source areas.
- Colonization patterns were inferred based on genetic similarities between source and colonized areas.
Takeaway
This study shows that house mice traveled with humans across the Atlantic, just like how we might take our pets on a trip today.
Methodology
The study analyzed mitochondrial D-loop DNA sequences from 2765 house mice across 47 countries to infer colonization history.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of samples and geographic coverage.
Limitations
The study's conclusions are based on genetic data, which may not capture all historical transport events.
Participant Demographics
House mice from various regions, including Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Scandinavia, and Macaronesia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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