The role of Pleistocene glaciations in shaping the genetic structure of South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis); lesson for future climate changes

TUNEZ, JUAN I.; CAPPOZZO, H.L.; PAVÉS, H.J.; ALBAREDA, D.; CASSINI, M.H.

Marseille

Congreso; 15th Evolutionary Biology Meeting; 2011

Université de Provence, France

Climate change is considered one of the main threats to biodiversity at a global scale.Direct impacts of anthropogenig climate change have been documented on every continent, in every ocean, and on most taxonomic groups. Rapid climate change is likely to impose strong selection pressures on traits important for fitness. One of potential long tern effects of climate change will be alterations of the genetic structure and diversity of wildlife popupations. The molecular level may reveal valuable information on the future genetic consequences of present climate change.