Recent ecological divergence despite migration in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Evolution
By: , and 

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Abstract

Ecological divergence may result when populations experience different selection regimes, but there is considerable discussion about the role of migration at the beginning stages of divergence before reproductive isolating mechanisms have evolved. However, detection of past migration is difficult in current populations and tools to differentiate genetic similarities due to migration versus recent common ancestry are only recently available. Using past volcanic eruption times as a framework, we combine morphological analyses of traits important to reproduction with a coalescent‐based genetic analysis of two proximate sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) populations. We find that this is the most recent (∼500 years, 100 generations) natural ecological divergence recorded in a fish species, and report that this divergence is occurring despite migration. Although studies of fish divergence following the retreat of glaciers (10,000–15,000 years ago) have contributed extensively to our understanding of speciation, the Aniakchak system of sockeye salmon provides a rare example of the initial stages of ecological divergence following natural colonization. Our results show that even in the face of continued migration, populations may diverge in the absence of a physical barrier.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Recent ecological divergence despite migration in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Series title Evolution
DOI 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2009.00927.x
Volume 64
Issue 6
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher Society for the Study of Evolution
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center Biology MFEB
Description 11 p.
First page 1773
Last page 1783
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Aniakchak Caldera
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