Evolution of the White Sands Pupfish after Assisted Colonization
Author Information
Author(s): Michael L. Collyer, Jeffrey S. Heilveil, Craig A. Stockwell
Primary Institution: North Dakota State University
Hypothesis
Contemporary evolution following assisted colonization may increase the probability of persistence for refuge populations established as a bet-hedge for protected species.
Conclusion
Assisted colonization can introduce novel selection pressures, leading to unintended evolutionary divergence in populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Body shape divergence was not explained by plasticity.
- No significant genetic drift occurred in the refuge population.
- The divergence of the Mound Spring population was more than twice the divergence predicted from phenotypic plasticity.
Takeaway
When fish were moved to new homes, they changed their body shapes over time, which might make it harder for them to go back to where they came from.
Methodology
Geometric morphometric data were collected from pupfish raised in experimental mesocosms with varying salinity levels.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in sampling and environmental conditions in mesocosms.
Limitations
The study may not account for all environmental factors affecting evolutionary divergence.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on the White Sands pupfish (Cyprinodon tularosa) from different native populations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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