Biology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-15-2024

Abstract

Climate change is a looming threat to the persistence of species, especially aquatic, imperiled species. Species native to desert streams are at a particular disadvantage, as many species already face drought, floods, wildfires, and threats from nonnative species, all of which are thought to be exacerbated by climate change. Species such as the threatened Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) already have small ranges and persist in fragmented and isolated habitats that limits gene flow between populations. Therefore, it is important to understand the current genomic status of such populations to be able to predict the future effects of climate change on population genomic variation and help guide the future management of threatened species. In this dissertation, I first examined the current genomic status of Gila Trout lineage populations. Second, I determined if wild Gila Trout lineages have hybridized with nonnative Rainbow Trout and how this may influence population structure. Finally, I examined genetic loci putatively under selection to understand the genetic variation at ecologically significant genes. This dissertation provides crucial data important for the future management of Gila Trout and the eventual recovery of this species. It also adds useful information to the paradigm of trout genomics and conservation as a whole.

Language

English

Keywords

population genomics, population structure, introgression, hybridization, outlier loci, trout, climate change

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Thomas F. Turner

Second Committee Member

Jeffrey C. Long

Third Committee Member

Jeremy S. Edwards

Fourth Committee Member

Paul A. Hohenlohe

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