Cornelya Klütsch | Trent University (original) (raw)

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Papers by Cornelya Klütsch

Wildlife Research Monographs, 2021

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2016

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 ...

Zoology in the Middle East, 2004

ABSTRACT

Journal of Biogeography, 2007

Biological Conservation, 2012

Ecology and Society, 2016

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.

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