Interactions Between Environmental Factors Can Hide Isolation By Distance Patterns: A Case Study Of Ctenomys Rionegrensis In Uruguay

Main Category: Genetics
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 06 Aug 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Using a novel population genetics method we show that the effect of geographic distance on genetic differentiation between populations can be hidden by interactions with other environmental factors.

Such an effect can lead to an incomplete characterisation of the demographic history of a species. We use as example Ctenomys australis, a subterranean rodent whose demographic history cannot be correctly inferred without considering the effect of elevation above sea level.

We posit that populations in low areas suffer periodic floods that reduce local population sizes, increasing genetic drift, a process that masks the effect of distance on genetic differentiation.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

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