Cornelya Klütsch - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Cornelya Klütsch

Closing the Gap Between Knowledge and Implementation in Conservation Science: Concluding Remarks

Wildlife Research Monographs, 2021

PLoS ONE, 2012

Glacial refugia considerably shaped the phylogeographical structure of species and may influence ... more Glacial refugia considerably shaped the phylogeographical structure of species and may influence intra-specific morphological, genetic, and adaptive differentiation. However, the impact of the Quaternary ice ages on the phylogeographical structure of North American temperate mammalian species is not well-studied. Here, we surveyed ,1600 individuals of the widely distributed woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) using mtDNA control region sequences to investigate if glacial refugia contributed to the phylogeographical structure in this subspecies. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction, a median-joining network, and mismatch distributions supported postglacial expansions of woodland caribou from three glacial refugia dating back to 13544-22005 years. These three lineages consisted almost exclusively of woodland caribou mtDNA haplotypes, indicating that phylogeographical structure was mainly shaped by postglacial expansions. The putative centres of these lineages are geographically separated; indicating disconnected glacial refugia in the Rocky Mountains, east of the Mississippi, and the Appalachian Mountains. This is in congruence with the fossil record that caribou were distributed in these areas during the Pleistocene. Our results suggest that the last glacial maximum substantially shaped the phylogeographical structure of this large mammalian North American species that will be affected by climatic change. Therefore, the presented results will be essential for future conservation planning in woodland caribou.

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2016

The global distribution of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) is a complex assembly consisting of a larg... more The global distribution of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) is a complex assembly consisting of a large number of populations and described subspecies. How these lineages are related to one another is still not fully resolved, largely due to the fact that large geographical regions remain poorly sampled both at the core and periphery of the species' range. Analyses of ancient wolves have also suffered from uneven sampling, but have shown indications of a major turnover at some point during the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary in northern North America. Here we analyze variation in the mitochondrial control region in 122 contemporary wolves from some of the less studied populations, as well as six samples from the previously unstudied Greenland subspecies (Canis l. orion) and two Late Pleistocene samples from Siberia. Together with the publicly available control region sequences of both modern and ancient wolves, this study examines genetic diversity on a wide geographical and temporal scale that includes both Eurasia and North America. We identify 13 new haplotypes, of which the majority is found in northern and eastern Asia. The results show that the Greenland samples are all represented by one haplotype, previously identified in North American wolves, among which this population seems to trace its maternal lineage. The phylogeny and network analyses show a wide spatial distribution of several lineages, but also some clusters with more distinct geographical affiliation. In North America, we find support for an end-Pleistocene population bottleneck through coalescent simulations under an approximate Bayesian framework in contrast to previous studies that suggested an extinction-replacement event. However, we find no support for a similar bottleneck in Eurasia. Overall, this global analysis helps to clarify our understanding of the complex history for wolves in Eurasia and North America.

Geographical Origin of the Domestic Dog

eLS, 2001

... somewhere in the world to breed wolves in captivity, and ultimately domesticate them ... mtDN... more ... somewhere in the world to breed wolves in captivity, and ultimately domesticate them ... mtDNA data also indicate that at least 50 and potentially hundreds of wolves were domesticated. ...Domestication Describes the process of a species being bred in captivity and thereby modified ...

Distribution of the Yellow-lemon Tree Frog, Hyla savignyi (Audouin, 1827), in southern Arabia: updates and extensions of previous records

Zoology in the Middle East, 2004

ABSTRACT

Journal of Biogeography, 2007

Lake Femund, Norway, contains several sympatric ecotypes of whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus L. Dee... more Lake Femund, Norway, contains several sympatric ecotypes of whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus L. Deepwater whitefish, river whitefish, and shallow water whitefish can be easily distinguished by spawning habitat and gillraker number. Variation in morphological and ecological characters and allozyme loci from 11 different spawning sites was analysed to compare the ecological polymorphism with possible genetic sub-structuring of whitefish in the lake. Of the individual morphological and ecological characters, gillraker number best separated the spawning populations, followed by body length. In a hierarchical cluster analysis based on gillraker number, body length and age of fish, the four deepwater sites grouped together as well as the three samples from, or closely related to, inlet rivers. The shallow water sites, however, were more dispersed. In the allozyme analysis, nine of the 38 enzyme loci were polymorphic at the 0.95 level. The amount of genetic variation was quite similar among localities with H exp = 0.046-0.066. Allele frequencies differed significantly among localities at all polymorphic loci indicating distinct reproductive isolation between spawning sites. A consensus tree based on genetic distances grouped samples according to spawning depth and trophic morphology rather than regional proximity. All deepwater spawners grouped together with rather high support while geographically adjacent samples differing by their morphology or behaviour were dispersed. The patterns of differentiation based on allozyme variation and morphology are not fully concordant, but still the association between genetic differentiation and morphological and life history variables was highly significant. Thus, the morphological differences are not due to phenotypic plasticity within single spawning populations as is commonly seen in many other fish species. The possible evolutionary origins of reproductively isolated whitefish forms are discussed. The relatively close association between differences in gillraker counts and genetic difference indicates that the present management of Femund whitefish stocks based on gillraker counts is sensible.

Biological Conservation, 2012

The use of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wildlife conservation is growing... more The use of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wildlife conservation is growing rapidly and promises to revolutionize the field of population genetics. However, genomic data should not be interpreted in isolation of other biological and complementary genetic data. Here, we used recently published genome-wide SNP data from Canis species in combination with data from more traditional genetic markers and evidence from non-genetic fields to show how a broader frame of reference is important for interpretation of genomic data. We conducted a principal components analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic analysis of 48 K SNP data to show that a three-species model of Canis evolution in North America is not rejected by the data and deserves further investigation with more representative samples from Algonquin Park. We also demonstrate how a holistic perspective provides a more complete picture of evolutionary processes underlying diversification and speciation events in the genus Canis. Overall, we highlight the importance of careful examination and synthesis of all lines of evidence for the implementation of effective conservation policies for endangered species.

The dog originated south of Yangtse river less than 16,000 years ago, from numerous wolves

ABSTRACT

Ecology and Society, 2016

Using multiple knowledge sources to interpret patterns of biodiversity can generate the comprehen... more Using multiple knowledge sources to interpret patterns of biodiversity can generate the comprehensive species characterizations that are required for effective conservation strategies. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) display substantial intraspecific variation across their distribution and in the Sahtú Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada, three caribou types, each with a different conservation status, co-occur. Caribou are essential to the economies, culture, and livelihoods of northern indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities across the north are insisting that caribou research be community-driven and collaborative. In response to questions that arose through dialogue with five Sahtú Dene and Métis communities, we jointly developed a research approach to understand caribou differentiation and population structure. Our goal was to examine caribou variation through analysis of population genetics and an exploration of the relationships Dene and Métis people establish with animals within bioculturally diverse systems. To cultivate a research environment that supported łeghaǵots'enetę "learning together" we collaborated with Ɂehdzo Got'ınę (Renewable Resources Councils), elders, and an advisory group. Dene knowledge and categorization systems include a comprehensive understanding of the origin, behaviors, dynamic interactions, and spatial structure of caribou. Dene people classify todzı "boreal woodland caribou" based on unique behaviors, habitat preferences, and morphology that differ from ɂekwę "barren-ground" or shuhta ɂepę "mountain" caribou. Similarly, genetic analysis of material (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) from caribou fecal pellets, collected in collaboration with community members during the winter, provided additional evidence for population differentiation that corresponded to the caribou types recognized by Dene people and produced insights into the evolutionary histories that contribute to the various forms. We developed culturally respectful and relevant descriptions of caribou variation through partnerships that respect the lives and experiences of people that depend on the land. By prioritizing mutual learning, researchers can broaden their understanding of biodiversity and establish a common language for collaboration.

Genetic analysis can provide important information on the dynamic and spatial structure of groups... more Genetic analysis can provide important information on the dynamic and spatial structure of groups of animals or populations. Little is known of the genetic population structure of caribou that inhabit the Lake Superior Coastal Range (LSCR) and the level of gene flow between individuals within the range and beyond. From a landscape perspective , this range is spatially isolated and genetic connectivity within the range is presumed limited due to large water crossings on Lake Superior. This study aims to answer if animal movement can be discerned, using genetic population and relatedness analyses, within and beyond the LSCR. Faecal and hair samples collected between 2005 and 2015 in Pukaskwa National Park were analyzed for genetic markers and compared to 131 unique genotypes previously obtained from both within the LSCR and in the two next closest ranges. Animals from one nearshore island (i.e. Otter) were more closely associated with offshore islands than other mainland caribou, likely a result of past movement and trans-location rather than ongoing movement. Conversely, on another nearshore island (i.e. Pic), individuals assigned to a different genetic cluster and were related to animals further north outside the range, demonstrating some connectivity through the discontinuous distribution to the coast. Long-term population declines have been observed in the LSCR despite genetic connectivity within the range and relatively low total habitat disturbance. Restoring connectivity of the LSCR so that it is not isolated from populations to the north is required for the recovery of the mainland portion of the coastal range. These genetic analyses provide some insights on where movements may occur and where landscape restoration efforts may best be directed to enhance connectivity.

Aim: The presence of refugia in the Canadian High Arctic has been subject to debate for decades. ... more Aim: The presence of refugia in the Canadian High Arctic has been subject to debate for decades. We investigated the potential existence of Arctic refugia during the Pleistocene for a large mammal species in the Canadian Archipelago because if these refugia were present, reconsideration of the evolutionary histories of North American fauna and flora beyond the major refugia of Beringia and south of the
Laurentide and Cordilleran Ice Sheets would be required. Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi), identified as a subspecies based on morphological characteristics, inhabits the Canadian Arctic Islands and Boothia Peninsula. Previous studies demonstrated incomplete lineage sorting of mitochondrial DNA interpreted as a Beringian origin but were based on small sample sizes
.
Location: Canadian Arctic.

Major taxa studied: Mammals: caribou (Rangifer tarandus).

Methods: We used two molecular markers (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) and approximate Bayesian computations (ABC) testing the hypotheses of colonization out of Beringia into the Arctic Islands following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) or a divergence
from Beringia significantly before the end of the LGM within a different refugium.

Results: The coalescent-based analyses rejected a recent Beringian origin with subsequent colonization, instead supporting a divergence of Peary caribou from Beringia ~100,000 years ago linking it to the last interglacial/early Wisconsin Glacial Stage (125,000–75,000 years ago). Admixture on Banks Island with Beringian-derived barren-ground caribou is indicative of post-Pleistocene secondary contact; further supporting
a divergent history of Peary caribou within a separated Arctic refugium.
Main conclusions: Our results offer support for the existence of an Arctic refugium for large mammal species and add to the increasing evidence of such refugia in North America. This has significant implications on understanding the evolution and conservation of Arctic species, particularly in light of sensitivities and adaptive potential to a rapidly changing climate.

KEYWORDS

approximate Bayesian computation, Arctic refugium, microrefugia, phylogeography, Pleistocene, Rangifer tarandus, subspecies

Aim Glacial-interglacial cycles influenced the contemporary genetic structure of many North Ameri... more Aim Glacial-interglacial cycles influenced the contemporary genetic structure of many North American species. While phylogeographical lineage divergence among Pleistocene refugia has been proposed as a significant driver of subspecific and ecotypic differentiation, emerging evidence highlights the role of diversification within refugia in producing post-glacial variation. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) exhibit significant morphological, ecological and behavioural phenotypic variation and occurred within Beringian and sub-Laurentide refugia. More specifically, the boreal ecotype of woodland caribou ranges from the southern regions of Canada to the Northwest Territories (NWT). Woodland caribou are generally accepted to have evolved south of the glacial extent, but the boreal ecotype in the northern part of their range co-occurs with caribou that have a Beringian origin. This proximity provides an opportunity to test whether woodland caribou colonized boreal habitats from a single southern refugial source or if independent evolution to a common ecotype resulted from diversification within refugia. Location Northwestern Canada. Methods We used approximate Bayesian computation to discriminate between alternate evolutionary histories of caribou belonging to boreal, northern mountain and barren-ground ecotypes using microsatellite and mtDNA markers. Results Our analysis indicates that unlike the southern-evolved boreal ecotype, the boreal ecotype of central NWT has Beringian origins and arose from a common lineage with barren-ground and mountain caribou. Importantly, the divergence of the lineage resulting in the boreal ecotype of central NWT significantly pre-dates the Last Glacial Maximum. Main conclusions We demonstrate that independent evolutionary trajectories can converge on a similar phenotype and for the first time show that the bor-eal ecotype of caribou in North America contains two phylogeographical assemblages. The ancient divergence suggests that diversification within Berin-gia could have resulted in ecological specialization. An eco-evolutionary focus will be essential to designing biodiversity conservation strategies for caribou that maximize genetic diversity and preserve adaptive potential in this intraspecifically diverse species.

Dogs were present in pre-Columbian America, presumably brought by early human migrants from Asia.... more Dogs were present in pre-Columbian America, presumably brought by early human migrants from Asia. Studies of free-ranging village/street dogs have indicated almost total replacement of these original dogs by European dogs, but the extent to which Arctic, North and South American breeds are descendants of the original population remains to be assessed. Using a comprehensive phylogeographic analysis, we traced the origin of the mitochondrial DNA lineages for Inuit, Eskimo and Greenland dogs, Alaskan Malamute, Chihuahua, xoloitzcuintli and perro sín pelo del Peru, by comparing to extensive samples of East Asian (n ¼ 984) and European dogs (n ¼ 639), and previously published pre-Columbian sequences. Evidence for a pre-Columbian origin was found for all these breeds, except Alaskan Malamute for which results were ambigous. No European influence was indicated for the Arctic breeds Inuit, Eskimo and Greenland dog, and North/South American breeds had at most 30% European female lineages, suggesting marginal replacement by European dogs. Genetic continuity through time was shown by the sharing of a unique haplotype between the Mexican breed Chihuahua and ancient Mexican samples. We also analysed free-ranging dogs, confirming limited pre-Columbian ancestry overall, but also identifying pockets of remaining populations with high proportion of indigenous ancestry, and we provide the first DNA-based evidence that the Carolina dog, a free-ranging population in the USA, may have an ancient Asian origin.

Using multiple knowledge sources to interpret patterns of biodiversity can generate the comprehen... more Using multiple knowledge sources to interpret patterns of biodiversity can generate the comprehensive species characterizations that are required for effective conservation strategies. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) display substantial intraspecific variation across their distribution and in the Sahtú Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada, three caribou types, each with a different conservation status, co-occur. Caribou are essential to the economies, culture, and livelihoods of northern indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities across the north are insisting that caribou research be community-driven and collaborative. In response to questions that arose through dialogue with five Sahtú Dene and Métis communities, we jointly developed a research approach to understand caribou differentiation and population structure. Our goal was to examine caribou variation through analysis of population genetics and an exploration of the relationships Dene and Métis people establish with animals within bioculturally diverse systems. To cultivate a research environment that supported łeghágots'enetę " learning together " we collaborated with Ɂehdzo Got'ı̨ nę (Renewable Resources Councils), elders, and an advisory group. Dene knowledge and categorization systems include a comprehensive understanding of the origin, behaviors, dynamic interactions, and spatial structure of caribou. Dene people classify tǫ dzı " boreal woodland caribou " based on unique behaviors, habitat preferences, and morphology that differ from ɂekwę́" barren-ground " or shúhta ɂepę́" mountain " caribou. Similarly, genetic analysis of material (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) from caribou fecal pellets, collected in collaboration with community members during the winter, provided additional evidence for population differentiation that corresponded to the caribou types recognized by Dene people and produced insights into the evolutionary histories that contribute to the various forms. We developed culturally respectful and relevant descriptions of caribou variation through partnerships that respect the lives and experiences of people that depend on the land. By prioritizing mutual learning, researchers can broaden their understanding of biodiversity and establish a common language for collaboration.

Aim Anole lizards (Reptilia: Sauria: Polychrotidae) display remarkable morphological and genetic ... more Aim Anole lizards (Reptilia: Sauria: Polychrotidae) display remarkable morphological and genetic differentiation between island populations. Morphological differences between islands are probably due to both adaptive (e.g. differential resource exploitation and intra- or interspecific competition) and non-adaptive differentiation in allopatry. Anoles are well known for their extreme diversity and rapid adaptive speciation on islands. The main aim of this study was

Zoologica Scripta, 2006

Molecular taxonomy in pholcid spiders (Pholcidae, Araneae): evaluation of species identification ... more Molecular taxonomy in pholcid spiders (Pholcidae, Araneae): evaluation of species identification methods using 35 ,[441][442][443][444][445][446][447][448][449][450][451][452][453][454][455][456][457]. The identification of species using molecular characters is a promising approach in alpha taxonomy and in any discipline depending on reliable assignment of specimens. Previous studies have shown the feasibility of the method, but considerable controversy persists. In this study, we use pholcid spiders in an effort to address two main issues. First, we evaluate and calibrate molecular species (re-)identification within a closely related group of organisms by using specimens that are morphologically unambiguously either conspecific or not. Species limits hypothesized a priori based on morphology were almost universally reconstructed by both mitochondrial markers used. Second, we focus on species identification methodology in a morphology-calibrated scenario, i.e. on how to assess the quality of a dataset and of the method used to obtain distance estimates (e.g. choice of markers, alignment strategy, type of distance data). We develop a number of statistical estimators permitting the measurement and communication of the clarity of species boundaries in a dataset and discuss their benefits and drawbacks. We propose that box plots rather than histograms are the superior tool for graphically illustrating taxonomic signal and that the median is a more appropriate measure of central tendency than the mean. Applying the suggested tools to our data, we propose that in molecular species identification, indel-related alignment uncertainties may often be even advantageous (by accentuating taxonomy-relevant information) and we conclude that -at least for our dataset -16S is better suited to taxonomy than CO1.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2008

International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2011

Heteroplasmy, the presence of two or more variants in an organism, may render mitochondrial DNA (... more Heteroplasmy, the presence of two or more variants in an organism, may render mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-based individual identification challenging in forensic analysis. However, the variation of heteroplasmic proportions and the segregation of heteroplasmic variants through generations and within families have not been systematically described at a large scale in animals such as the domestic dog. Therefore, we performed the largest study to date in domestic dogs and screened a 582-bp-long fragment of the mtDNA control region in 180 individuals in 58 pedigrees for signs of heteroplasmy. We identified three pedigrees (5.17%) with heteroplasmic point mutations. To follow the segregation of the point mutations, we then analyzed 131 samples from these three independent pedigrees and found significant differences in heteroplasmy between generations and among siblings. Frequently (10% of cases), the proportion of one base changed from 0-10% to 80-90% (as judged from Sanger electropherograms) between generations and varied to a similar extent among siblings. We included also a literature review of heteroplasmic and potential mutational hot spot positions in the studied region which showed that all heteroplasmic positions appear to be mutational hot spots. Thus, although heteroplasmy may be used to increase the significance of a match in forensic case work, it may also cause erroneous exclusion of related individuals because of sharp switches from one state to the other within a single generation or among siblings especially in the presented mutational hot spots.

Conservation Genetics, 2012

Habitat fragmentation and landscape topology may influence the genetic structure and connectivity... more Habitat fragmentation and landscape topology may influence the genetic structure and connectivity between natural populations. Six microsatellite loci were used to infer the population structure of 35 populations (N = 788) of the alpine Arabian burnet moth Reissita simonyi (Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae) in Yemen and Oman. Due to the patchy distribution of larval food plants, R. simonyi is not continuously distributed throughout the studied area and the two recognized subspecies of this endemic species (Reissita s. simonyi/R. s. yemenicola) are apparently discretely distributed. All microsatellites showed prevalence of null alleles and therefore a thorough investigation of the impact of null alleles on different population genetic parameters (F ST , inbreeding coefficients, and Population Graph topologies) is given. In general, null alleles reduced genetic covariance and independence of allele frequencies resulting in a more connected genetic topology in Population Graphs and an overestimation of pairwise F ST values and inbreeding coefficients. Despite the presence of null alleles, Population Graphs also showed a much higher genetic connectivity within subspecies (and lower genetic differentiation (via F ST )) than between; supporting existing taxonomic distinction. Partial Mantel tests showed that both geographical distance and altitude were highly correlated with the observed distribution of genetic structure within R. simonyi. In conclusion, we identified geographical and altitudinal distances in R. simonyi as well as an intervening desert area to be the main factors for spatial genetic structure in this species and show that the taxonomic division into two subspecies is confirmed by genetic analysis.

Closing the Gap Between Knowledge and Implementation in Conservation Science: Concluding Remarks

Wildlife Research Monographs, 2021

PLoS ONE, 2012

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2016

Geographical Origin of the Domestic Dog

eLS, 2001

Distribution of the Yellow-lemon Tree Frog, Hyla savignyi (Audouin, 1827), in southern Arabia: updates and extensions of previous records

Zoology in the Middle East, 2004

ABSTRACT

Journal of Biogeography, 2007

Biological Conservation, 2012

The dog originated south of Yangtse river less than 16,000 years ago, from numerous wolves

ABSTRACT

Ecology and Society, 2016

Major taxa studied: Mammals: caribou (Rangifer tarandus).

KEYWORDS

approximate Bayesian computation, Arctic refugium, microrefugia, phylogeography, Pleistocene, Rangifer tarandus, subspecies

Using multiple knowledge sources to interpret patterns of biodiversity can generate the comprehen... more Using multiple knowledge sources to interpret patterns of biodiversity can generate the comprehensive species characterizations that are required for effective conservation strategies. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) display substantial intraspecific variation across their distribution and in the Sahtú Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada, three caribou types, each with a different conservation status, co-occur. Caribou are essential to the economies, culture, and livelihoods of northern indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities across the north are insisting that caribou research be community-driven and collaborative. In response to questions that arose through dialogue with five Sahtú Dene and Métis communities, we jointly developed a research approach to understand caribou differentiation and population structure. Our goal was to examine caribou variation through analysis of population genetics and an exploration of the relationships Dene and Métis people establish with animals within bioculturally diverse systems. To cultivate a research environment that supported łeghágots'enetę " learning together " we collaborated with Ɂehdzo Got'ı̨ nę (Renewable Resources Councils), elders, and an advisory group. Dene knowledge and categorization systems include a comprehensive understanding of the origin, behaviors, dynamic interactions, and spatial structure of caribou. Dene people classify tǫ dzı " boreal woodland caribou " based on unique behaviors, habitat preferences, and morphology that differ from ɂekwę́" barren-ground " or shúhta ɂepę́" mountain " caribou. Similarly, genetic analysis of material (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) from caribou fecal pellets, collected in collaboration with community members during the winter, provided additional evidence for population differentiation that corresponded to the caribou types recognized by Dene people and produced insights into the evolutionary histories that contribute to the various forms. We developed culturally respectful and relevant descriptions of caribou variation through partnerships that respect the lives and experiences of people that depend on the land. By prioritizing mutual learning, researchers can broaden their understanding of biodiversity and establish a common language for collaboration.

Zoologica Scripta, 2006

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2008

International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2011

Conservation Genetics, 2012