Getting One's Ducks in a Row: Conservation Units of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) Throughout North America
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Authors
Turner, Russell
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Common Eider , Conservation Genomics , Population Genomics , Ducks , ddRADseq , Conservation Units
Alternative Title
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is resulting in a variety of consequences for ecosystems and biodiversity. Collectively these changes are negatively impacting species survival and are increasing rates of extinction. Species can, however, adjust to environmental changes through range shifts, phenotypic plasticity, or genetic adaptation. To ensure successful species conservation in the face of climate change, it is now crucial that a species’ capacity for such change, as well as existing evolutionary differences among populations, are incorporated into species’ management plans. This is particularly important for species dependent on Arctic conditions because climate change will disproportionately affect these regions. Here, I evaluate the spatial genetic structure of a highly mobile Arctic breeding sea duck, the Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) by analyzing double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) data from 320 ducks originating from 24 breeding populations spread across North America. I identify two evolutionarily significant units that show a clear west-east divide, which is suggestive of two distinct glacial refugia. I also identify five to six genetically distinct management units and detect five potentially adaptive units within North America. I also identify a pattern of isolation-by-distance across my entire study area and within the Eastern evolutionary significant unit. However, a similar pattern was not evident within the Western evolutionary significant unit. Taken together, my results reveal biologically important population genetic structure that must be considered for the successful long-term management of the eider. My thesis contributes to the growing body of literature aimed at better understanding the broad spectrum of genetic differentiation observed in avian populations that inhabit the Arctic, which will help better manage their conservation.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.