Population genetic history of the British roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and its implications for diversity and fitness

摘要: The first part of this study examined post glacial recolonisation by UK roe. Previous studies established three main roe deer lineages exist across Europe: a western (Iberian Peninsula), an eastern (Balkan region) and central lineage (which spans Europe). It was unknown which group British populations belonged. Using 419 bp region the mt-DNA d-loop (HVR1) amplified from ancient modern samples direct comparison made with previously published European data. Results showed that belong to lineage, indicating re-colonisation is likely have occurred via route. estimation substitution rate, applied coalescent based methods, detected signal for divergence continental at 5,600 YBP (HPD 3,500 - 11, 200 YBP), not long after proposed date land bridge split (7,500 YBP). Since re-colonisation, were known undergone severe fluctuations in population size. Perhaps most significant fluctuation began during medieval period, when suffered declines (bottlenecking) due over hunting deforestation. These so that, 16th century, believed been extirpated (locally extinct) all southern areas considered scarce northern areas. However, 19th century recover. Recovery south may resulted solely re-introductions (involving both native non-native stocks) whilst, north, recovery natural remnant stocks. second investigated impacts more recent history. This using 750 d loop (HVR), 16 microsatellite loci 18 skull traits examine structure diversity. on DNA morphology revealed strong differentiation. Northern appeared least impacted events; maintaining patterns isolation distance (IBD) high genetic diversity (compared populations). In contrast, strongly particular, IBD non-significant (although sample size effect) lower re-introduction records indicated origin (Perthshire). Genetic data was, however, highly differentiated its source; could reflect powerful impact drift resulting small founder populations. Alternatively, it be ancestry complex than assumed. For other (Norfolk), indicate (German) origin. line this, morphological implied these distinct. The bottlenecks (including events) also examined. Bottleneck analyses ‘signatures’ microsatellites. strongest evidence bottlenecking Norfolk population, consistent introduced into location relatively recently. bottleneck signatures tended weak non-significant. Direct comparisons (pre-bottleneck) (post –bottleneck) –loop (HVR1). considerable losses between time frames declines. found harbour highest number ‘native’ haplotypes lowest. exhibited only one ‘novel’ haplotype confirming are concern because they shown reduce fitness increase risk extinction. Therefore, fluctuating asymmetry (FA) 10 as indicator developmental stability. Correlations FA indices level individuals within populations, among All correlations existed expected directions; Furthermore, did vary significantly providing no indication whether has past