Complex population structure of the Atlantic puffin revealed by whole genome analyses

Kersten, Oliver; Star, Bastiaan; Leigh, Deborah M.; Anker-Nilssen, Tycho; Strøm, Hallvard; Danielsen, Jóhannis; Descamps, Sébastien; Erikstad, Kjell E.; Fitzsimmons, Michelle G.; Fort, Jérôme; Hansen, Erpur S.; Harris, Mike P.; Irestedt, Martin; Kleven, Oddmund; Mallory, Mark L.; Jakobsen, Kjetill S.; Boessenkool, Sanne. 2021 Complex population structure of the Atlantic puffin revealed by whole genome analyses. Communications Biology, 4, 922. 12, pp. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02415-4

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02415-4

Abstract/Summary

The factors underlying gene flow and genomic population structure in vagile seabirds are notoriously difficult to understand due to their complex ecology with diverse dispersal barriers and extensive periods at sea. Yet, such understanding is vital for conservation management of seabirds that are globally declining at alarming rates. Here, we elucidate the population structure of the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) by assembling its reference genome and analyzing genome-wide resequencing data of 72 individuals from 12 colonies. We identify four large, genetically distinct clusters, observe isolation-by-distance between colonies within these clusters, and obtain evidence for a secondary contact zone. These observations disagree with the current taxonomy, and show that a complex set of contemporary biotic factors impede gene flow over different spatial scales. Our results highlight the power of whole genome data to reveal unexpected population structure in vagile marine seabirds and its value for seabird taxonomy, evolution and conservation.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02415-4
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	UKCEH Fellows
ISSN:	2399-3642
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	conservation biology, conservation genomics, genome, population genetics
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	05 Oct 2021 10:01 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/531174

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02415-4

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

UKCEH Fellows

ISSN:

2399-3642

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

Additional Keywords:

conservation biology, conservation genomics, genome, population genetics