Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of my coauthors I would like to announce the publication of the following research article online in Marine Mammal Science:
Leslie, M. S., Archer, F. I. and Morin, P. A. (2018), Mitogenomic differentiation in spinner (
Stenella longirostris) and pantropical spotted dolphins (
S. attenuata) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Mar. Mam. Sci.. . doi:
10.1111/mms.12545
Abstract: Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and pantropical spotted dolphins (S. attenuata)
show high intraspecific morphological diversity and endemic subspecies
in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP). Previous studies of
mitochondrial DNA have found low genetic differentiation among most of
these groups, possibly due to demographic factors, ongoing gene flow,
and/or recent divergence. These species were heavily depleted due to
bycatch in the ETP yellowfin tuna fishery. Because understanding
population structure is important for accurate management of the
recovery of these species, we collected whole mitochondrial genome
sequences from 104 spinner and 76 spotted dolphins to test structure
hypotheses at multiple hierarchical taxonomic levels. Results show
differences between subspecies of spinner and spotted dolphins, but no
support for the division of existing offshore stocks of spotted
dolphins. We compare these results to previous results of genome‐wide
nuclear SNP data and suggest high haplotype diversity, female dispersal,
and/or relative power of the two data sets explains the differences
observed. Interestingly, increasing the amount of mitochondrial data
(base pairs and genes) did not increase ability to delimit population
units. This study supports a genetic basis for management units at the
subspecies level, and provides critical information for mitigating
historical and continued fisheries impacts.
Have a wonderful week!
All the Best,
Matt
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Matthew S. Leslie, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
Biology Department
Swarthmore College