Population structure
Definition
The non-random distribution of genetic variation across subpopulations caused by limited gene flow between them. Different elephant herds separated by geography or habitat accumulate distinct allele frequencies over generations, creating a geographic genetic signal.
Related terms
- Delta-C13 / Delta-N15
- Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in tissue, expressed as deviation from a reference standard (delta notation). They reflect diet composition and...
- Isoscape
- A map of isotope ratio variation across a geographic area, derived from systematic sampling of soil, water, plant, or mineral material; used...
- SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)
- A position in the genome where the nucleotide base differs between individuals. Genome-wide SNP panels are more powerful than STR panels for...
- Strontium-87/86 ratio
- The ratio of two strontium isotopes in a sample, which mirrors the ratio in local bedrock and water. Because strontium substitutes for...
- STRUCTURE / ADMIXTURE
- Software tools that infer population structure by estimating each individual's fractional ancestry (membership coefficient) across K genetic clusters. Used to assign unknown...
Explained in
- Population Genetics, Geographic Provenance, and Stable IsotopesThe non-random distribution of genetic variation across subpopulations caused by limited gene flow between them. Different elephant herds separated by geograph...