The drivers of variation in susceptibility to the amphibian-killing fungus, batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

摘要: The fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is regarded as a primary driver of the dramatic global declines experienced by amphibian populations in recent decades. threat posed Bd extends into pristine regions, decimating naive to pathogen. patterns genetic variation amphibians natural habitats, and degree which this influences traits such response novel pathogens, therefore particular relevance conservation biology. To examine interplay between geographic context population genetics, role that individual-level play shaping critical components host viability face exposure Bd, I focused on set mainland isolated island common toad (Bufo bufo) situated edge their range northwest Scotland. Microsatellites were used characterise variability across eleven populations. It was found seawater serves isolate demes, producing high levels differentiation, loss diversity parallels isolation. Standardised laboratory experiments showed Bd-induced mortality with no prior history predicted origin individual mass, but not population-level allelic or heterozygosity at microsatellite loci. Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) then genotype individuals exposed over 10,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) This revealed clear structure discernible through analysis. Outlier loci putatively related local adaptation identified, it possible function. No association disease identified. These findings underscore importance habitat forming discrete populations, how can shape fundamental phenotypic traits, including response. These responses are, however, rather idiosyncratic, factors level isolation neutral diversity. SNP datasets generated RADseq hold great potential further unravelling dynamics amphibian-Bd system, these are likely remain complex context-dependent.