Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Whole-genome sequencing of giant pandas provides insights into demographic history and local adaptation
Author(s)
Zhao, S.;Zheng, P.;Dong, S.;Zhan, X.;Wu, Q.;Guo, X.;Hu, Y.;He, W.;Zhang, S.;Fan, W.;Zhu, L.;Li, D.;Zhang, X.;Chen, Q.;Zhang, H.;Zhang, Z.;Jin, X.;Zhang, J.;Yang, H.;Wang, J.;Wei, F.
Published
2012
Publisher
Nature Genetics
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.2494
Abstract
The panda lineage dates back to the late Miocene and ultimately leads to only one extant species, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Although global climate change and anthropogenic disturbances are recognized to shape animal population demography their contribution to panda population dynamics remains largely unknown. We sequenced the whole genomes of 34 pandas at an average 4.7-fold coverage and used this data set together with the previously deep-sequenced panda genome to reconstruct a continuous demographic history of pandas from their origin to the present. We identify two population expansions, two bottlenecks and two divergences. Evidence indicated that, whereas global changes in climate were the primary drivers of population fluctuation for millions of years, human activities likely underlie recent population divergence and serious decline. We identified three distinct panda populations that show genetic adaptation to their environments. However, in all three populations, anthropogenic activities have negatively affected pandas for 3,000 years.
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB15006