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Ecology and evolution2015; 5(16); 3507-3522; doi: 10.1002/ece3.1562

Comparative genetic diversity in a sample of pony breeds from the U.K. and North America: a case study in the conservation of global genetic resources.

Abstract: Most species exist as subdivided ex situ daughter population(s) derived from a single original group of individuals. Such subdivision occurs for many reasons both natural and manmade. Traditional British and Irish pony breeds were introduced to North America (U.S.A. and Canada) within the last 150 years, and subsequently equivalent breed societies were established. We have analyzed selected U.K. and North American equivalent pony populations as a case study for understanding the relationship between putative source and derived subpopulations. Diversity was measured using mitochondrial DNA and a panel of microsatellite markers. Genetic signatures differed between the North American subpopulations according to historical management processes. Founder effect and stochastic drift was apparent, particularly pronounced in some breeds, with evidence of admixture of imported mares of different North American breeds. This demonstrates the importance of analysis of subpopulations to facilitate understanding the genetic effects of past management practices and to lead to informed future conservation strategies.
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Publication Date: 2015-07-31 PubMed ID: 26380682PubMed Central: PMC4569044DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1562Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study investigates the genetic diversity among various pony breeds in the United Kingdom and North America, uncovering significant differences that have arisen due to historical management processes like the founder effect, stochastic drift, and admixture.

Background and Purpose

  • The study begins by observing that most species originate from a single group of individuals but over time become subdivided into separate groups due to various natural and man-made reasons.
  • Through a comparative analysis of a selection of UK and North American pony breeds, the study aimed to understand the relationship between the original population and its derived subpopulations.
  • Taking these pony breeds as a representative case study, the research seeks to inform future strategies for global genetic resource conservation.

Methodology

  • The researchers compared the genetic diversity of pony breeds by utilizing mitochondrial DNA and a panel of microsatellite markers.
  • These genetic tools were used to assess and track shifts in the genetic signatures of the pony breeds over time.

Findings

  • The study found that the genetic signatures of the North American pony subpopulations differed substantially based on historical management processes.
  • It discovered pronounced instances of the founder effect, stochastic drift, and genetic mixing (admixture) from imported mares of different North American breeds in some pony breeds.

Implications

  • The research demonstrates the importance of analyzing subpopulations to better comprehend the genetic effects of historical management practices.
  • It points out the urgent need for conservation strategies that are informed by an understanding of genetic diversity and the factors influencing it.

Cite This Article

APA
Winton CL, Plante Y, Hind P, McMahon R, Hegarty MJ, McEwan NR, Davies-Morel MC, Morgan CM, Powell W, Nash DM. (2015). Comparative genetic diversity in a sample of pony breeds from the U.K. and North America: a case study in the conservation of global genetic resources. Ecol Evol, 5(16), 3507-3522. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1562

Publication

Ecology and evolution
ISSN: 2045-7758
NlmUniqueID: 101566408
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 16
Pages: 3507-3522

Researcher Affiliations

Winton, Clare L
  • IBERS, Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, U.K.
Plante, Yves
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5A8, Canada.
Hind, Pamela
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5A8, Canada.
McMahon, Robert
  • IBERS, Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, U.K.
Hegarty, Matthew J
  • IBERS, Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, U.K.
McEwan, Neil R
  • IBERS, Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, U.K.
Davies-Morel, Mina C G
  • IBERS, Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, U.K.
Morgan, Charly M
  • IBERS, Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, U.K.
Powell, Wayne
  • CGIAR F-34394, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
Nash, Deborah M
  • IBERS, Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, U.K.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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