Abstract
Neutral genetic markers such as microsatellites are used in fisheries science to identify stock boundaries. The goal is to identify demographical units independent on ecological timescales (10-50 y). Meanwhile, it is assumed that these independent stocks reflect discrete populations adapted to specific environmental landscapes. Although this may well be thrue it is rarely investigated in specific cases. Recent advances in genome sequencing will allow development of new marker types affected by natural selection. Comparing distributions of neutral and such selected genetic markers could help identifying the genetic basis for locally adaptated populations. Using existing genetic knowledge about Atlantic cod combined with recent developments in cod genomics, I will address the following questions: 1. Do patterns of neutral, non coding genetic diversity reflect adaptive genetic diversity? 2. What is the genetic basis for observed phenotypic variation among local populations? Working in two marine systems, the Skagerrak-Kattegat-Baltic salinity transition and Skagerrak fjords, we propose to investigate the relationship between patterns in neutral and coding genetic variation and help elucidating the genetic basis underlying adaptive population divergence using three different approaches: 1. Single locus studies of hemoglobine and pantophysin in cod 2. Simultaneous screening of multiple SNP loci 3. Variation in gene expression in natural cod populations
Sweden