Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analysis of post-glacial dispersal and hybridization of longnose suckers (Catostomus catostomus) in Labrador: implications for conservation and management near the Trans-Labrador Highway

Langille, Barbara (2014) Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analysis of post-glacial dispersal and hybridization of longnose suckers (Catostomus catostomus) in Labrador: implications for conservation and management near the Trans-Labrador Highway. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Understanding phylogeographic origins and hybridization of species are crucial when proposing effective management strategies in disturbed habitats. The longnose sucker in Labrador is an interesting species as the eastern part of the range in North America has not been studied and Labrador has recently undergone the construction of the Trans-Labrador Highway (TLH) with no assessment of the influence of this disturbance on the longnose sucker. To document genetic diversity, post-glacial dispersal, and putative hybridization with the white sucker, mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites were analysed, leading to evidence for one main glacial refugial source of longnose suckers within Labrador, the Atlantic refugium, with possible minor contributions from the Beringian and Mississippian. Significant population structure among regions and among lakes was inferred. Only four putative hybrid suckers were identified suggesting that hybridization is lower than among other catostomid species. Hence the TLH is likely not influencing hybridization of longnose and white suckers in Labrador.

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