USGS scientists are identifying local adaptation in sage-grouse by modeling allelic variation at large numbers of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in relation to environmental and climate variables.
Understanding the degree to which different populations might be uniquely adapted to local environmental conditions is critical for developing management plans that will ensure preservation of important functional genetic variation. This is particularly relevant for species like greater sage-grouse that occupy a broad geographic range that spans diverse environmental variables and conditions. New methods of modern DNA sequencing scan the entire genomes of individuals from multiple populations and identify genes that bear the signature of adaptive evolution. Recently, USGS scientists have identified several genes important for diet and immune response in both greater and Gunnison sage-grouse, yet a more comprehensive analysis that examines adaptation to other environmental variables known to be important for greater sage-grouse across the range of the species is warranted.
Using the recently completed sage-grouse genome as a reference, USGS scientists are identifying local adaptation in sage-grouse by modeling allelic variation at large numbers of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in relation to environmental and climate variables. This study will help identify populations that may harbor unique genetic information important for population persistence and inform future management strategies, such as translocations between populations, or management of populations based on the range-wide clusters to account for genetic variation.
- Overview
USGS scientists are identifying local adaptation in sage-grouse by modeling allelic variation at large numbers of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in relation to environmental and climate variables.
Understanding the degree to which different populations might be uniquely adapted to local environmental conditions is critical for developing management plans that will ensure preservation of important functional genetic variation. This is particularly relevant for species like greater sage-grouse that occupy a broad geographic range that spans diverse environmental variables and conditions. New methods of modern DNA sequencing scan the entire genomes of individuals from multiple populations and identify genes that bear the signature of adaptive evolution. Recently, USGS scientists have identified several genes important for diet and immune response in both greater and Gunnison sage-grouse, yet a more comprehensive analysis that examines adaptation to other environmental variables known to be important for greater sage-grouse across the range of the species is warranted.
Using the recently completed sage-grouse genome as a reference, USGS scientists are identifying local adaptation in sage-grouse by modeling allelic variation at large numbers of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in relation to environmental and climate variables. This study will help identify populations that may harbor unique genetic information important for population persistence and inform future management strategies, such as translocations between populations, or management of populations based on the range-wide clusters to account for genetic variation.
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