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Micro-spatial genetic structure in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia)

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Abstract

The spatial genetic structure of populations is strongly influenced by current and historical patterns of gene flow and drift, which in the simplest case, is limited by geographic distance. We examined the microspatial genetic structure within 33 populations of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) which included eight subspecies located across coastal areas in southern British Columbia (BC) and California. We also examined the effect of water barriers and local density estimates on genetic structuring. Across both regions, positive genetic structure was detectable at distances of less than 10 km. Genetic divergence was highest in Californian subspecies, perhaps due to reduced gene flow across sub-specific contact zones. In BC, populations distributed across islands displayed greater genetic structuring over similar spatial scales than those across mainland sites, supporting the prediction that water barriers reduce gene flow in this species. Our results confirm both the expectation for fine-scale genetic structure in these generally sedentary subspecies, and the role of landscape features in generating geographic variation in genetic structure.

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Acknowledgments

We thank S. Wilson, A. Marr, L.F. Keller, J.M.N Smith, C. Begus, C. Ritland, A. Miscampbell, H. Yueh, W. Easton, and J. Hope for assistance on various aspects of this study. Site access was provided by the Tsawout and Tseycum Bands, A. and H. Brumbaum, T. and M. Boyle, Parks Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Nature Trust, Powell River Municipality, and Sooke Municipal District. We gratefully acknowledge financial support from NSERC, American Ornithologists Union Bleitz Grant and the Friends of Ecological Reserves. All work was conducted under permits of the UBC Animal Care Committee and Environment Canada. This manuscript benefitted from comments made by V. Friesen, E. Taylor, D. Irwin, S. Aitken, K. Cheng, S. Wilson and two anonymous reviewers.

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  1. Center for Applied Conservation Research, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Amy G. Wilson & Peter Arcese

  2. Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, National Zoological Park, P.O. Box 37012-MRC 5503, Washington, DC, 20013, USA

    Amy G. Wilson

  3. Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    Yvonne L. Chan

  4. Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA

    Michael A. Patten

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  1. Amy G. Wilson
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Correspondence to Amy G. Wilson.

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Wilson, A.G., Arcese, P., Chan, Y.L. et al. Micro-spatial genetic structure in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Conserv Genet 12, 213–222 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-010-0134-4

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