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Low world-wide genetic diversity in the killer whale (Orcinus orca); Implications for demographic history

Hoelzel, A.R.; Natoli, A.; Dahlheim, M.; Olavarria, C.; Baird, R.W.; Black, N.

Authors

A. Natoli

M. Dahlheim

C. Olavarria

R.W. Baird

N. Black



Abstract

A low level of genetic variation in mammalian populations where the census population size is relatively large has been attributed to various factors, such as a naturally small effective population size, historical bottlenecks and social behaviour. The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is an abundant, highly social species with reduced genetic variation. We find no consistent geographical pattern of global diversity and no mtDNA variation within some regional populations. The regional lack of variation is likely to be due to the strict matrilineal expansion of local populations. The worldwide pattern and paucity of diversity may indicate a historical bottleneck as an additional factor.

Citation

Hoelzel, A., Natoli, A., Dahlheim, M., Olavarria, C., Baird, R., & Black, N. (2002). Low world-wide genetic diversity in the killer whale (Orcinus orca); Implications for demographic history. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 269(1499), 1467-1475. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2002.2033

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2002
Deposit Date May 18, 2007
Journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Print ISSN 0962-8452
Electronic ISSN 1471-2954
Publisher The Royal Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 269
Issue 1499
Pages 1467-1475
DOI https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2002.2033
Keywords Population, Bottleneck, Population, Genetics, Marine mammals.


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