Evidence for human-caused founder effect in populations of Solanum jamesii at archaeological sites: II. Genetic sequencing establishes ancient transport across the Southwest USA
Authors:
Bruce M. Pavlik, Alfonso del Rio, John Bamberg, Lisbeth A. Louderback
Abstract:
Premise:
The domestication of wild plant species can begin with gathering and transport of
propagules by Indigenous peoples. The effect on genomic composition, especially in
clonal, self-incompatible perennials would be instantaneous and drastic with respect
to new, anthropogenic populations subsequently established. Reductions in genetic
diversity and mating capability would be symptomatic and the presence of unique alleles
and genetic sequences would reveal the origins and ancestry of populations associated
with archaeological sites. The current distribution of the Four Corners potato, Solanum
jamesii Torr. in the Southwestern USA, may thus reflect the early stages of a domestication
process that began with tuber transport.
Methods:
Herein genetic sequencing (GBS) data are used to further examine the hypothesis of
domestication in this culturally significant species by sampling 25 archaeological
and non-archaeological populations.
Results:
Archaeological populations from Utah, Colorado and northern Arizona have lower levels
of polymorphic loci, unique alleles, and heterozygosity than non-archaeological populations
from the Mogollon region of central Arizona and New Mexico. Principle components analysis,
Fst values, and structure analysis revealed that genetic relationships among archaeological
populations did not correspond to geographic proximity. Populations in Escalante,
Utah were related to those on the Mogollon Rim (400 km south) and had multiple origins
and significant disjunctions with those populations in Bears Ears, Chaco Canyon, and
Mesa Verde sites.
Conclusions:
Movement of tubers from the Mogollon region may have occurred many times and in multiple
directions during the past, resulting in the complex genetic patterns seen in populations
from across the Four Corners region
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