Spatial structure of lemming populations (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) fluctuating in density

The pattern and scale of the genetic structure of populations provides valuable information for the understanding of the spatial ecology of populations, including the spatial aspects of density fluctuations. In the present paper, the genetic structure of periodically fluctuating lemmings (Dicrostony...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular ecology 2001-02, Vol.10 (2), p.481-495
Main Authors: Ehrich, D., Jorde, P. E., Krebs, C. J., Kenney, A. J., Stacy, J. E., Stenseth, N. C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Arvicolinae - genetics
Canada
Canadian Arctic
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Dicrostonyx groenlandicus
dispersal
DNA, Mitochondrial - analysis
DNA, Mitochondrial - genetics
gene diversity
gene flow
Genetics, Population
Haplotypes - genetics
Locus Control Region - genetics
Microsatellite Repeats - genetics
Population Dynamics
small rodent cycles
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Summary:The pattern and scale of the genetic structure of populations provides valuable information for the understanding of the spatial ecology of populations, including the spatial aspects of density fluctuations. In the present paper, the genetic structure of periodically fluctuating lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) in the Canadian Arctic was analysed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and four nuclear microsatellite loci. Low genetic variability was found in mtDNA, while microsatellite loci were highly variable in all localities, including localities on isolated small islands. For both genetic markers the genetic differentiation was clear among geographical regions but weaker among localities within regions. Such a pattern implies gene flow within regions. Based on theoretical calculations and population census data from a snap‐trapping survey, we argue that the observed genetic variability on small islands and the low level of differentiation among these islands cannot be explained without invoking long distance dispersal of lemmings over the sea ice. Such dispersal is unlikely to occur only during population density peaks.
ISSN:0962-1083
1365-294X
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-294X.2001.01229.x