Genetic Divergence of an Avian Endemic on the Californian Channel Islands
Wilson AG, Chan Y, Taylor SS, Arcese P. 2015. Genetic Divergence of an Avian Endemic on the Californian Channel Islands. PLos ONE. 10(8)
The Californian Channel Islands are near–shore islands with high levels of endemism, but extensive habitat loss has contributed to the decline or extinction of several endemic taxa. A key parameter for understanding patterns of endemism and demography in island populations is the magnitude of inter–island dispersal. This paper estimates the extent of migration and genetic differentiation in three extant and two extinct populations of Channel Island song sparrows (Melospiza melodia graminea). Inter–island differentiation was substantial (G''ST: 0.14–0.37), with San Miguel Island having the highest genetic divergence and lowest migration rates. Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Island populations were less diverged with higher migration rates. Genetic signals of past population declines were detected in all of the extant populations. The Channel Island populations were significantly diverged from mainland populations ....
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Wilson, Amy; Chan, Yvonne; Taylor, Sabrina; Arcese, Peter
- Units
- CHIS
- Keywords
- medical terms: animal tissue; Article; controlled study; endemic species; extant species; extinct species; genetic variability; geographic distribution; haplotype; Melospiza melodia graminea; Melospiza melodia heermanni; nonhuman; population migration; sp