Genetic Networks to Investigate Structure and Connectivity of Caribou at Multiple Spatial and Temporal Scales

Description

Understanding genetic structure, connectivity, and movement of a species iscritical to management and conservation. Genetic network approaches allow the analysis
of genetic information with flexibility and few prior assumptions. In chapter one, I tested
the ability of individual-based genetic networks to detect fine-scale structure and
connectivity in relation to sampling efforts. My findings revealed individual-based
genetic networks can detect fine-scale genetic structure of caribou when using 15 highly
variable microsatellite loci. Sampling levels less than 50% of the estimated population
size resulted in highly disconnected networks which did not allow for accurate structure
analysis; however community detection algorithms were robust in grouping closely
related individuals despite low sampling. In chapter two, I used individual-based and
population-based genetic networks to investigate structure, connectivity, and movement
of caribou across a large study area in Western Canada. A community detection algorithm
partitioned the population-based genetic network at multiple spatial scales which
uncovered patterns of hierarchical genetic structure and highlighted patterns of gene flow.
The hierarchical population structure results aligned with the known distribution of
different caribou Designatable Units (DUs) and additional structure was found within
each DU. Furthermore, individual-based networks that were constructed with a subset of
samples from the Mackenzie Mountains region of the Northwest Territories revealed
patterns of long-distance movement and high connectivity across the region.
Author Keywords: Biological Conservation, Caribou, Community Detection, Connectivity, Genetic Networks, Structure