Holarctic genetic structure and range dynamics in the woolly mammoth

Sammanfattning

Ancient DNA analyses have provided enhanced resolution of population histories in many Pleistocene taxa. However, most studies are spatially restricted, making inference of species-level biogeographic histories difficult. Here, we analyse mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in the woolly mammoth from across its Holarctic range to reconstruct its history over the last 200 thousand years (kyr). We identify a previously undocumented major mtDNA lineage in Europe, which was replaced by another major mtDNA lineage 32-34 kyr before present (BP). Coalescent simulations provide support for demographic expansions at approximately 121 kyr BP, suggesting that the previous interglacial was an important driver for demography and intraspecific genetic divergence. Furthermore, our results suggest an expansion into Eurasia from America around 66 kyr BP, coinciding with the first exposure of the Bering Land Bridge during the Late Pleistocene. Bayesian inference indicates Late Pleistocene demographic stability until 20-15 kyr BP, when a severe population size decline occurred.

Nyckelord

ancient DNA; Mammuthus primigenius; extinction; refugia; climate

Publicerad i

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
2013, volym: 280, nummer: 1770
Utgivare: ROYAL SOC

SLU författare

• Brandström Durling, Mikael

  • Institutionen för skoglig mykologi och växtpatologi, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Globala målen (SDG)

SDG15 Ekosystem och biologisk mångfald

UKÄ forskningsämne

Arkeologi
Genetik och genomik
Evolutionsbiologi

Publikationens identifierare

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.1910

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/53318