Sperm whale population structure in the eastern and central North Pacific inferred by the use of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA

摘要: We use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (400 bp), six microsatellites and 36 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 20 of which were linked, to investigate population structure sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the eastern central North Pacific. SNP markers, reproducible across technologies laboratories, are ideal for long-term studies globally distributed species such as whales, a conservation concern because both historical contemporary impacts. estimate genetic differentiation among three strata temperate tropical waters where females found: California Current, Hawai`i then consider how males on sub-Arctic foraging grounds assign these strata. The Current stratum was differentiated from other (P < 0.05) mtDNA, SNPs, suggesting that region supports demographically independent providing first indication may exhibit reproductive philopatry. Comparisons between Pacific not conclusive at this time. with Alaska statistically significant, or nearly so, all individuals showed mixed assignment to, few exclusions from, potential source strata, widespread origin feeding grounds. show SNPs have sufficient power detect even when is low. There need better analytical methods especially linked used, but appear be valuable marker dispersed highly mobile species.