Impact of Time and Climate on Gene flow in the Santa Monica Mountains

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Type

Submission

Keywords

Population genetics, Amphibian, Conservation, ecology, streams

Department

Biology

Major

Biology and History

Abstract

The Santa Monica Mountains (SMMs) are home to amphibians that range from common to extremely endangered. Current and extensive quantitative data is needed to prepare for current and future long-lasting, detrimental, anthropogenic changes to their environment. Our goal was to determine the population structure of the Pacific tree frog, Hyla regilla and quantify the amount of gene flow between breeding sites in the SMMs. This data is used by the National Park Service to inform conservation efforts for the future. This work included analysis of DNA samples collected in 2010 and 2018 from individuals at 25 sites throughout the SMM’s. We used restriction site-associated digestion methods (3RAD) and processed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with a custom bioinformatics pipeline. The final data had 386 individuals, with 2,663 SNPs. The SNPs were examined in Admixture for structure, and FST and GST values were evaluated between sites for gene flow patterns. SNPs were analyzed by year (2010, n=163, 2018, n=223) and together (n=386). We found no evidence of genetic structure between populations in the SMM’s, suggesting gene flow has historically occurred between populations of H. regilla. The lack of structure is likely from their life history. As generalists, they can possibly exploit both natural stream habitats and artificial or temporary habitats resulting in a greater ability for breeding between individuals from different sites. This means that no actions currently need to occur to aid in Species' genetic health but may need to happen in the future.

Faculty Mentor

Gary Bucciarelli

Location

Waves Cafeteria

Start Date

24-3-2023 2:00 PM

End Date

24-3-2023 4:00 PM

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Mar 24th, 2:00 PM Mar 24th, 4:00 PM

Impact of Time and Climate on Gene flow in the Santa Monica Mountains

Waves Cafeteria

The Santa Monica Mountains (SMMs) are home to amphibians that range from common to extremely endangered. Current and extensive quantitative data is needed to prepare for current and future long-lasting, detrimental, anthropogenic changes to their environment. Our goal was to determine the population structure of the Pacific tree frog, Hyla regilla and quantify the amount of gene flow between breeding sites in the SMMs. This data is used by the National Park Service to inform conservation efforts for the future. This work included analysis of DNA samples collected in 2010 and 2018 from individuals at 25 sites throughout the SMM’s. We used restriction site-associated digestion methods (3RAD) and processed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with a custom bioinformatics pipeline. The final data had 386 individuals, with 2,663 SNPs. The SNPs were examined in Admixture for structure, and FST and GST values were evaluated between sites for gene flow patterns. SNPs were analyzed by year (2010, n=163, 2018, n=223) and together (n=386). We found no evidence of genetic structure between populations in the SMM’s, suggesting gene flow has historically occurred between populations of H. regilla. The lack of structure is likely from their life history. As generalists, they can possibly exploit both natural stream habitats and artificial or temporary habitats resulting in a greater ability for breeding between individuals from different sites. This means that no actions currently need to occur to aid in Species' genetic health but may need to happen in the future.