Location
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Start Date
3-8-2010 9:00 AM
End Date
3-8-2010 12:00 PM
Description
The dynamics of genetic patterns, such as genetic differentiation within and between populations and the geographic distribution of genetic lineages, are often influenced by historical events (such as climatic changes) that have substantially impacted regional biodiversity (the study of phylogeography; Avise, 20001). The magnitude of genetic differentiation among populations is often increased if suitable habitat is reduced, because there is restricted migration among populations. When migration is restricted, the populations may become genetically differentiated from conspecific populations and, over time, may become independent lineages that follow distinctive evolutionary trajectories (Stebbins, 19523; Nevo & Beiles, 19892; Thomas et al., 19984). In particular, glacial cycles often result in expansion and contraction of suitable habitat for organisms, which we might predict leads to a similar expansion and contraction of organismal populations. Understanding the impact of past glacial-interglacial cycles (Figure 1), and thus climate changes, on species and species assemblages can help us understand what we may expect from current and future climate change trends.
Keywords
Animal population genetics; Animal populations—Climatic factors; Climatic changes; Great Basin pocket mouse
Disciplines
Animal Sciences | Genetics | Life Sciences
Language
English
Impact of historical climate change on the genetic structure of the Great Basin Pocket Mouse, Perognathus parvus
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The dynamics of genetic patterns, such as genetic differentiation within and between populations and the geographic distribution of genetic lineages, are often influenced by historical events (such as climatic changes) that have substantially impacted regional biodiversity (the study of phylogeography; Avise, 20001). The magnitude of genetic differentiation among populations is often increased if suitable habitat is reduced, because there is restricted migration among populations. When migration is restricted, the populations may become genetically differentiated from conspecific populations and, over time, may become independent lineages that follow distinctive evolutionary trajectories (Stebbins, 19523; Nevo & Beiles, 19892; Thomas et al., 19984). In particular, glacial cycles often result in expansion and contraction of suitable habitat for organisms, which we might predict leads to a similar expansion and contraction of organismal populations. Understanding the impact of past glacial-interglacial cycles (Figure 1), and thus climate changes, on species and species assemblages can help us understand what we may expect from current and future climate change trends.
Comments
Poster research sponsored by NSF EPSCoR