Limited geographic genetic structure detected in a widespread Palearctic corvid, Nucifraga caryocatactes
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Date
2014
Authors
Dohms, Kimberly M.
Burg, Theresa M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Peer J, Ltd
Abstract
The Eurasian or spotted nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) is a widespread resident
corvid found throughout the Palearctic fromCentral Europe to Japan. Characterized
by periodic bouts of irruptive dispersal in search of Pinus seed crops, this species has
potential for high levels of gene flow across its range. Previous analysis of 11 individuals
did not find significant range-wide population genetic structure.We investigated
population structure using 924 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA control region
sequence data from 62 individuals from 12 populations distributed throughout
the nutcracker’s range.We complemented this analysis by incorporating additional
genetic data frompreviously published sequences.High levels of genetic diversity and
limited population genetic structure were detected suggesting that potential barriers
to dispersal do not restrict gene flow in nutcrackers.
Description
Open access
Keywords
Biogeography , Ecology , Evolutionary studies , Nucifraga caryocatactes , Eurasian nutcracker , Phylogeography , Palearctic distribution , Corvid , Mitochondrial DNA
Citation
Dohms, K.M., & Burg, T. M. (2014). Limited geographic genetic structure detected in a widespread Palearctic corvid, Nucifraga caryocatactes. PeerJ, 2, e371. doi:10.7717/peerj.371