Genome-wide signatures of population bottlenecks and diversifying selection in European wolves

摘要: Genomic resources developed for domesticated species provide powerful tools studying the evolutionary history of their wild relatives. Here we use 61K single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) evenly spaced throughout canine nuclear genome to analyse relationships among three largest European populations grey wolves in comparison with other worldwide, and investigate genome-wide effects demographic bottlenecks signatures selection. have a discontinuous range, large connected Eastern Europe relatively smaller, isolated Italy Iberian Peninsula. Our results suggest continuous decline wolf numbers since Late Pleistocene, long-term isolation Italian following divergence from population. The low genetic variability high linkage disequilibrium, but few autozygous segments across genome. This last characteristic clearly distinguishes them that underwent recent drastic declines or founder events, implies these two populations. Although drift due spatial seems be major force diversifying populations, detected 35 loci are putatively under Two flank platelet-derived growth factor gene, which affects bone may influence differences body size between study demonstrates power population genomics identifying signals detecting directional selection bottlenecked despite background variability.