Scientists examined rat populations in four cities to assess population-genetic structure, diversity patterns, and dispersal dynamics. Landscape features consistently coincided with genetic breaks, genetic diversity consistently varied within cities—suggesting different population dynamics—and local dispersal dynamics revealed similar trends. Major roads genetically isolate rat populations in Vancouver and Salvador, whereas resource deserts and waterways force genetic breaks in New York and New Orleans, respectively.
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Published June 06, 2018 (Brief from the Royal Society)
URL after publication
Canadian co-authors: Kaylee Byers, University of British Columbia – kbyers@zoology.ubc.ca; Chelsea Himsworth, University of British Columbia – chelsea.himsworth@gov.bc.ca
