Small population size and low genomic diversity have no effect on fitness in experimental translocations of a wild fish. Issue 1916 (4th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yates, M. C.; Bowles, E.; Fraser, D. J.
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 286:Issue 1916(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12-04
• Subjects: fitness correlates -- environmental change -- genomic diversity -- effective population size -- conservation biology -- Nb; Biology -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1989
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8452

Abstract

Abstract : Little empirical work in nature has quantified how wild populations with varying effective population sizes and genetic diversity perform when exposed to a gradient of ecologically important environmental conditions. To achieve this, juvenile brook trout from 12 isolated populations or closed metapopulations that differ substantially in population size and genetic diversity were transplanted to previously fishless ponds spanning a wide gradient of ecologically important variables. We evaluated the effect of genome-wide variation, effective population size ( N e ), pond habitat, and initial body size on two fitness correlates (survival and growth). Genetic variables had no effect on either fitness correlate, which was determined primarily by habitat (pond temperature, depth, and pH) and initial body size. These results suggest that some vertebrate populations with low genomic diversity, low N e, and long-term isolation can represent important sources of variation and are capable of maintaining fitness in, and ultimately persisting and adapting to, changing environments. Our results also reinforce the paramount importance of improving available habitat and slowing habitat degradation for species conservation.