DNA in the deep : comparative molecular ecology for the conservation of beaked whales ...

• Main Author: Onoufriou, Aubrie Booth
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: The University of St Andrews 2023
• Subjects: Beaked whales; Molecular ecology; Genomics; ddRAD; Mitogenome; Ziphius cavirostris; Mesoplodon densirostris; Mesoplodon bidens; Hyperoodon ampullatus; Population structure; Genetic diversity; Inbreeding; Demographic history; Anthropogenic noise; QL737.C438O6; Beaked whales > Conservation; hyperoodon ampullatus
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17630/sta/487; https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/handle/10023/27721

Beaked whales (Ziphiidae) are an incredibly diverse and elusive family, and behavioural responses linked to certain anthropogenic sounds have resulted in mass stranding events. The substantial knowledge gaps regarding abundance and population structure for most ziphiids highlight that more information is required for their effective management and conservation. To this end, next-generation DNA sequencing was used to investigate beaked whale ecology and evolution, showcasing the utility of reduced representation sequencing in non-model organisms. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were derived using double-digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD) from a newly established international beaked whale tissue and DNA archive. Globally, hierarchical genetic structure and diversity of cosmopolitan Cuvier’s and Blainville’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris and Mesoplodon densirostris, “Cuvier’s” and “Blainville’s”) were investigated. Biogeographic barriers and differing life and evolutionary ...