Biology subjects

Rodin Morch, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Rodin Morch, P..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Large scale, low coverage population genomics approach to assess genetic variation and structure across vulnerable Swedish sand lizard populations

Genomics has emerged as a powerful tool in conservation biology, offering valuable insights into the genetic diversity, population connectivity and adaptive potential of threatened species. Here, we apply a large-scale, low-coverage whole genome sequencing approach to the conservation genomics of the Swedish sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). Sand lizards occur in fragmented populations across Sweden, with varying population sizes and degrees of isolation, and face significant threats from habitat degradation and land use change. In this study, we sequenced 139 individuals to investigate genetic diversity, population structure and genetic load. We reveal strong population structure among Swedish sand lizards and identify populations with low genetic diversity and realised high genetic load. Genetic diversity in populations declined with increasing latitude, likely reflecting the historical northward expansion process and the subsequent population fragmentation and isolation. We observe strong population structure and reveal genetic distinctiveness of populations; findings with significant conservation implications. For example, the Sormon population, a relict population in central Sweden, appears genetically distinct from all other populations. Further, the northern-most populations in Dalarna appear relatively small, with high genetic load, and thus may require intensive management via e.g., restored open successional habitat to aid population recovery. Our study adds to the growing field of conservation genomics and demonstrates the value of high-resolution whole genome approaches to the conservation efforts for threatened populations. Finally, our research contributes crucial insights for the conservation management of this vulnerable species in Sweden.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2023

Inbreeding or outbreeding depression? How to manage an endangered and locally adapted population of red grouse Lagopus scotica

The balance between the inbreeding and outbreeding continuum is a fundamental debate within conservation genomics. To inform this debate we use genome wide data to show that inbreeding is higher in Irish red grouse (Lagopus scotica) and that this smaller and isolated population exhibits divergence from the British. Outlier analysis identified divergence in several genomic regions linked to genes coding for ecologically important traits such as phenotypic differences in plumage colour and sequence divergence among coding regions in the melanin pathway. We also find differences among immune genes and loci involved in food intake and energy control. The two populations thus appear locally adapted. Divergence between the source and the target population when used for conservation aided restocking may have negative consequences if locally adapted alleles are swamped and/or maladapted genotypes are introduced, leading to outbreeding depression. While avoiding inbreeding by maintaining large populations is important, our study illustrates that conservationists and managers should also consider population divergence and local adaptation. We argue against translocations among Ireland and Britain as a conservation strategy. The results of our study demonstrate the value of focusing on local populations and habitat management when aiming to enhance the conservation status of specific species.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2023

Genomic vulnerability to climate change and mutation load are affected by past declines in effective population size in two sedentary arctic bird species

Using whole genome re-sequencing data we study the effects of climate influenced declines in effective population size on the accumulation of deleterious mutations and the response to future climate change in populations of cold-adapted avian sister species from the Holarctic: rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) and willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus). We reconstruct the demographic histories of the populations and determine their nucleotide diversity, past and present inbreeding, and mutation load. Genomic vulnerability to future climate change scenarios (also known as offset) is predicted for the populations.. We show that relatively small and isolated populations have reduced nucleotide diversity, higher signatures of past and present inbreeding, and higher estimates of mutation load. Among the studied populations, the most vulnerable to a mismatch between current and predicted future environments are rock ptarmigan populations in East Greenland, Iceland, and Svalbard, while among willow ptarmigan, subspecies residing on the British Isles are the most vulnerable.

evolutionary biology↗