Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Ryan I. Hill
First Committee Member
Jane Khudyakov
Second Committee Member
Zachary Stahlschmidt
Abstract
The distinction between populations due to environmental factors like climate and geography are well-known and expected, therefore it is not illogical to believe more disjunct habitats would also impact genetic structure. Through Restriction Site Associated DNA Sequencing (RADseq) and Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis the genetic structure and differentiation (fixation index, Fst) of Speyeria callippe across four regions in California: the North Coast Ranges, Bay Area, Diablo Range, and South Coast Ranges were analyzed. The influence of geographic distance, human population density, and forest cover were explored as factors influencing the genetics of these populations. The combination of mtDNA and RADseq datasets sheds light on both longer-term patterns across the genome, as well as more recent patterns in mtDNA shaped by female demography. Our results indicated the Bay Area populations of Speyeria callippe are noticeably different with evidence of elevated Fst and genetic degradation. These results are consistent with the predicted impact of high human population in the Bay Area. Furthermore, the Bay Area’s higher Fst persists despite greater connectivity among populations - that is, relatively low geographic distances between sites and low elevation connected grassland habitat. Given populations of Speyeria callippe callippe are an endangered species, the impact of human population on genetic differentiation should not be overlooked.
Pages
69
Recommended Citation
Heller, Laura K.. (2024). Exploring the Relative Contribution of Humans on Genetic Differentiation Among Speyeria callippe Populations in the California Coast Ranges. University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/4253
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