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Localized population divergence of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus spp.) in South Africa: Evidence from mtDNA.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:Vervet monkeys are common in most tree-rich areas of South Africa, but their absence from grassland and semi-desert areas of the country suggest potentially restricted and mosaic local population patterns that may have relevance to local phenotype patterns and selection. A portion of the mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced to study patterns of genetic differentiation. METHODS:DNA was extracted, and mitochondrial DNA sequences were obtained from 101 vervet monkeys at 15 localities, which represent both an extensive (widely across the distribution range) and intensive (more than one troop at most of the localities) sampling strategy. Analyses utilized Arlequin 3.1, MEGA 6, BEAST v1.5.2, and Network V3.6.1. RESULTS:The dataset contained 26 distinct haplotypes, with six populations fixed for single haplotypes. Pairwise P-distance among population pairs showed significant differentiation among most population pairs, but with nonsignificant differences among populations within some regions. Populations were grouped into three broad clusters in a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree and a haplotype network. These clusters correspond to i) north-western, northern, and north-eastern parts of the distribution range as well as the northern coastal belt; ii) central areas of the country; and iii) southern part of the Indian Ocean coastal belt and adjacent inland areas. CONCLUSIONS:Apparent patterns of genetic structure correspond to current and past distribution of suitable habitat, geographic barriers to gene flow, geographic distance, and female philopatry. However, further work on nuclear markers and other genomic data are necessary to confirm these results.

SUBMITTER: Turner TR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4715607 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Localized population divergence of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus spp.) in South Africa: Evidence from mtDNA.

Turner Trudy R TR Coetzer Willem G WG Schmitt Christopher A CA Lorenz Joseph G JG Freimer Nelson B NB Grobler J Paul JP

American journal of physical anthropology 20150812 1

<h4>Objective</h4>Vervet monkeys are common in most tree-rich areas of South Africa, but their absence from grassland and semi-desert areas of the country suggest potentially restricted and mosaic local population patterns that may have relevance to local phenotype patterns and selection. A portion of the mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced to study patterns of genetic differentiation.<h4>Methods</h4>DNA was extracted, and mitochondrial DNA sequences were obtained from 101 vervet monk ...[more]

PMID: 26265297

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Project description:Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are one of the most widely distributed non-human primate species found in South Africa. They occur across all the South African provinces, inhabiting a large variety of habitats. These habitats vary sufficiently that it can be assumed that various factors such as pathogen diversity could influence populations in different ways. In turn, these factors could lead to varied levels of selection at specific fitness linked loci. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) gene family, which play an integral role in vertebrate innate immunity, is a group of fitness linked loci which has been the focus of much research. In this study, we assessed the level of genetic variation at partial sequences of two TLR loci (TLR4 and 7) and a reproductively linked gene, acrosin (ACR), across the different habitat types within the vervet monkey distribution range. Gene variation and selection estimates were also made among 11-21 primate species. Low levels of genetic variation for all three gene regions were observed within vervet monkeys, with only two polymorphic sites identified for TLR4, three sites for TLR7 and one site for ACR. TLR7 variation was positively correlated with high mean annual rainfall, which was linked to increased pathogen abundance. The observed genetic variation at TLR4 might have been influenced by numerous factors including pathogens and climatic conditions. The ACR exonic regions showed no variation in vervet monkeys, which could point to the occurrence of a selective sweep. The TLR4 and TLR7 results for the among primate analyses was mostly in line with previous studies, indicating a higher rate of evolution for TLR4. Within primates, ACR coding regions also showed signs of positive selection, which was congruent with previous reports on mammals. Important additional information to the already existing vervet monkey knowledge base was gained from this study, which can guide future research projects on this highly researched taxon as well as help conservation agencies with future management planning involving possible translocations of this species.

Dataset Information

Localized population divergence of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus spp.) in South Africa: Evidence from mtDNA.

Publications

Localized population divergence of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus spp.) in South Africa: Evidence from mtDNA.

Similar Datasets

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