Population structure as revealed by mtDNA and microsatellites in northern fur seals, Callorhinus ursinus, throughout their range

35Citations
Citations of this article
121Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Background: The northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus; NFS) is a widely distributed pinniped that has been shown to exhibit a high degree of philopatry to islands, breeding areas on an island, and even to specific segments of breeding areas. This level of philopatry could conceivably lead to highly genetically divergent populations. However, northern fur seals have the potential for dispersal across large distances and have experienced repeated rapid population expansions following glacial retreat and the more recent cessation of intensive harvest pressure. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using microsatellite and mitochondrial loci, we examined population structure in NFS throughout their range. We found only weak population genetic structure among breeding islands including significant FST and PHST values between eastern and western Pacific islands. Conclusions: We conclude that insufficient time since rapid population expansion events (both post glacial and following the cessation of intense harvest pressure) mixed with low levels of contemporary migration have resulted in an absence of genetic structure across the entire northern fur seal range.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Dickerson, B. R., Ream, R. R., Vignieri, S. N., & Bentzen, P. (2010). Population structure as revealed by mtDNA and microsatellites in northern fur seals, Callorhinus ursinus, throughout their range. PLoS ONE, 5(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0010671

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free