Genetic data reveal mixed-stock aggregations of gray whales in the North Pacific Ocean.
Biol Lett
; 14(10)2018 10 10.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30305459
ABSTRACT
Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in the Western Pacific are critically endangered, whereas in the Eastern Pacific, they are relatively common. Holocene environmental changes and commercial whaling reduced their numbers, but gray whales in the Eastern Pacific now outnumber their Western counterparts by more than 100-fold. Herein, we investigate the genetic diversity and population structure within the species using a panel of genic single nucleotide polymorphisms. Results indicate the gray whale gene pool is differentiated into two substocks containing similar levels of genetic diversity, and that both our Eastern and Western geographical samples represent mixed-stock aggregations. Ongoing or future gene flow between the stocks may conserve genetic diversity overall, but admixture has implications for conservation of the critically endangered Western gray whale.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Variación Genética
/
Ballenas
/
Genética de Población
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biol Lett
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA
Año:
2018
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos