Assessment of genetic differentiation of burbot (Lota lota) in a fragmented lake
Conference Year
January 2022
Abstract
Burbot (Lota lota) is a widely distributed freshwater cod species with a range that extends across the northern hemisphere. Burbot occupy habitats from deep lakes to small tributaries and can show genetic differences that reflect habitat connectivity and type. We tested whether regional fragmentation of Lake Champlain has contributed to genetic differentiation of burbot across the lake. Next-generation genomics were used to assess genome-wide differences among individuals from different regions of the lake. Our work links habitat fragmentation to population size and genetic diversity of burbot, with implications for food web balance and conservation of coldwater fish species.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Jason Stockwell
Secondary Mentor Name
J. Ellen Marsden
Graduate Student Mentors
Amelia Mcreynolds
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Ben Marcy-Quay
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
Program/Major
Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Primary Research Category
Biological Sciences
Assessment of genetic differentiation of burbot (Lota lota) in a fragmented lake
Burbot (Lota lota) is a widely distributed freshwater cod species with a range that extends across the northern hemisphere. Burbot occupy habitats from deep lakes to small tributaries and can show genetic differences that reflect habitat connectivity and type. We tested whether regional fragmentation of Lake Champlain has contributed to genetic differentiation of burbot across the lake. Next-generation genomics were used to assess genome-wide differences among individuals from different regions of the lake. Our work links habitat fragmentation to population size and genetic diversity of burbot, with implications for food web balance and conservation of coldwater fish species.