Fine-Scale Analysis of Population Structure in the Relict Dace Using RAD Sequencing

Authors: Mandi Finger, Alyssa Benjamin

Year: 2018

Abstract

We have examined the population structure and diversity of relict dace within Goshute, Butte, Steptoe, Spring, and Ruby valleys in eastern Nevada. We used RAD sequencing on our samples, a method of interrogating the entire genome of each individual. Our results concur with the recent Housten et al. (2015) paper, in that there is a major split within the relict dace range: Ruby and Butte valleys are similar, and Goshute, Steptoe, and Spring valleys are similar. However this is relative, because nearly all populations are highly distinct within the valleys. We will discuss our results and provide recommendations for management.