Conservation genomics in the sagebrush sea: Population divergence, demographic history, and local adaptation in sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.)
Genome Biology and Evolution
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- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Data Release: USGS data release - Sample collection information and whole genome data for Greater and Gunnison Sage-grouse range generated in the Molecular Ecology Lab during 2015-2018
- Open Access Version: Publisher Index Page
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Abstract
Sage-grouse are two closely related iconic species of the North American West, with historically broad distributions across sagebrush-steppe habitat. Both species are dietary specialists on sagebrush during winter, with presumed adaptations to tolerate the high concentrations of toxic secondary metabolites that function as plant chemical defenses. Marked range contraction and declining population sizes since European settlement have motivated efforts to identify distinct population genetic variation, particularly that which might be associated with local genetic adaptation and dietary specialization of sage-grouse. We assembled a reference genome and performed whole-genome sequencing across sage-grouse from six populations, encompassing both species and including several populations on the periphery of the species ranges. Population genomic analyses reaffirmed genome-wide differentiation between greater and Gunnison sage-grouse, revealed pronounced intraspecific population structure, and highlighted important differentiation of a small isolated population of greater sage-grouse in the northwest of the range. Patterns of genome-wide differentiation were largely consistent with a hypothesized role of genetic drift due to limited gene flow among populations. Inferred ancient population demography suggested persistent declines in effective population sizes that have likely contributed to differentiation within and among species. Several genomic regions with SNPs exhibiting extreme population differentiation were associated with candidate genes linked to metabolism of xenobiotic compounds. In vitro activity of enzymes isolated from sage-grouse livers supported a role for these genes in detoxification of sagebrush, suggesting that the observed interpopulation variation may underlie important local dietary adaptations, warranting close consideration for conservation strategies that link sage-grouse to the chemistry of local sagebrush.
Suggested Citation
Oh, K., Aldridge, C., Forbey, J.S., Dadabay, C., Oyler-McCance, S.J., 2019, Conservation genomics in the sagebrush sea: Population divergence, demographic history, and local adaptation in sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.): Genome Biology and Evolution, v. 11, no. 7, p. 2023-2034, https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evz112.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Conservation genomics in the sagebrush sea: Population divergence, demographic history, and local adaptation in sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.) |
| Series title | Genome Biology and Evolution |
| DOI | 10.1093/gbe/evz112 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Publication Date | May 28, 2019 |
| Year Published | 2019 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Oxford Academic |
| Contributing office(s) | Fort Collins Science Center |
| Description | 12 p. |
| First page | 2023 |
| Last page | 2034 |
| Other Geospatial | North America west |