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Genetic structure of endangered lake chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta in Canada reveals a differentiated population in a precarious habitat |
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| Authors: | Frances E. Hauser João P. Fontenelle Ahmed A. Elbassiouny Nicholas E. Mandrak Nathan R. Lovejoy |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;3. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;4. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;5. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Abstract: | We used mitochondrial DNA to assess the genetic structure of endangered lake chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta across its Canadian range. We found unique mitochondrial haplotypes in Lyons Creek, a tributary of the Niagara River that faces a strong potential for habitat deterioration. Lyons Creek may therefore serve as a reservoir of unique genetic diversity. The sensitivity of Lyons Creek, combined with the genetic uniqueness of its E. sucetta population, call for further investigation into whether this population should be considered a separate designatable unit for conservation purposes. |
| Keywords: | chubsucker coI Erimyzon sucetta freshwater fish Great Lakes population structure |