Phylogenetic lineages and postglacial dispersal dynamics characterize the genetic structure of the tick, Ixodes ricinus, in Northwest Europe

Røed, K. H., Kvie, K. S., Hasle, G., Gilbert, L. and Leinaas, H. P. (2016) Phylogenetic lineages and postglacial dispersal dynamics characterize the genetic structure of the tick, Ixodes ricinus, in Northwest Europe. PLoS ONE, 11(12), e0167450. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167450) (PMID:27907193) (PMCID:PMC5131986)

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Abstract

Dispersal and gene flow are important mechanisms affecting the dynamics of vectors and their pathogens. Here, patterns of genetic diversity were analyzed in many North European populations of the tick, Ixodes ricinus. Population sites were selected within and between areas separated by geographical barriers in order to evaluate the importance of tick transportation by birds in producing genetic connectivity across open sea and mountain ranges. The phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial control region and the cytochrome b gene revealed two distinct clades with supported sub-clades, with three genetic lineages: GB and WNo associated with Great Britain and western Norway respectively, and Eu with a wider distribution across continental Europe in agreement with much lower efficiency of tick dispersal by birds than by large mammals. The results suggest different ancestry of I. ricinus colonizing Britain and the rest of northern Europe, possibly from different glacial refuges, while ticks from western Norway and continental Europe share a more recent common ancestry. Demographic history modeling suggests a period of strong increase in tick abundance coincident with progression of the European Neolithic culture, long after their post-glacial colonization of NW Europe.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gilbert, Dr Lucy
Authors: Røed, K. H., Kvie, K. S., Hasle, G., Gilbert, L., and Leinaas, H. P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:PLoS ONE
Publisher:Public Library of Science
ISSN:1932-6203
ISSN (Online):1932-6203
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Røed et al.
First Published:First published in PLoS ONE 11(12):e0167450
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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