What genetic characteristic is noted for the isolated *I. pacificus* population found in Utah?

Answer

It is genetically distinguishable and exhibits lower genetic diversity compared to coastal populations.

Despite the lack of significant geographical differentiation observed within the core coastal distribution encompassing California, Oregon, and Washington, a specific population of *Ixodes pacificus* located in Utah displayed measurable genetic differences. This Utah population is geographically isolated from the main range by unsuitable arid desert environments. When studied using mitochondrial DNA markers, researchers found this isolated group was not only genetically distinct from the coastal groups but also possessed notably lower overall genetic diversity. This reduced diversity suggests bottlenecks or long periods of isolation, fitting with hypotheses of ancient fragmentation or passive introduction.

What genetic characteristic is noted for the isolated *I. pacificus* population found in Utah?

Related Questions

Which *Ixodes* species is *I. pacificus* molecularly suggested to share a closer evolutionary relationship with?How does the range stability of *I. pacificus* over the last half-century contrast with *I. scapularis*?What primary factor likely maintained widespread *I. pacificus* populations across the West over the last century?What genetic characteristic is noted for the isolated *I. pacificus* population found in Utah?What historical event do researchers propose might explain the fragmentation of the isolated Utah *I. pacificus* population?Which reptile is identified as an important host for immature *I. pacificus* stages specifically in California?What evolutionary advantage does the small size of *I. pacificus* nymphs provide concerning Lyme disease transmission?Under moderate to high emissions pathways (RCP 6.0 and 8.5), what is the general prediction for the climate niche of *I. pacificus* by 2050?Which environmental conditions are considered optimal for the survival of *I. pacificus* in its core areas?What historical pressure seemed less severe or was managed differently in the West compared to the Eastern US, affecting *I. pacificus* distribution?
biologyevolutiontickvectorarthropod