Gene flow counteracts the effect of drift in a Swiss population of snow voles fluctuating in size

摘要: Genetic monitoring has emerged as a useful tool to better understand evolutionary processes acting within and among natural populations. Longitudinal studies allow the examination of temporal changes in neutral genetic patterns relation demographic data, which is particularly interesting populations that undergo large fluctuations size. Taking advantage eight years (2006–2013) survey data (18 microsatellite loci) from snow vole (Chionomys nivalis) population Swiss Alps, we explore whether how gene flow selection shape variability diversity by counteracting effect drift, thereby maintain high levels heterozygosity observed this population. Using simulations empirical show effective size small, drift would lead marked decline diversity. However, force counterbalanced restoring immigration. In agreement with predictions theory, found strong, positive association between size, suggests density-dependent dispersal. This also supported composition over time. Meanwhile, for was weak, overriding only one out years. Altogether, our results highlight importance significant shaping wild, crucial process maintenance small