Dynamic genetic diversity and population structure of Coreius guichenoti

To investigate the genetic effects on the population of Coreius guichenoti of dam constructions in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of 12 populations collected in 2009 and 2019 using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control regions. There was no significant difference in genetic diversity between 2009 and 2019 (P 0.05), but the population structure tended to become stronger. Genetic differentiation (FST) among five populations (LX, BB, YB, SF and JA) collected in 2009 was not significant (P > 0.05). However, some populations collected in 2019 were significantly differentiated (P < 0.05), indicating that the population structure has undergone change. A correlation analysis showed that the genetic diversity of the seven populations collected in 2019 was significantly negatively correlated with geographical height (r = -0.808, P = 0.028), indicating that the populations at high elevations were more vulnerable than those at low elevations. In order to prevent the further decrease of genetic diversity and population resources, some conservation and restoration suggestions, such as fish passage and artificial breeding, are put forward.

Automated summary

Genetic diversity and population structure of Coreius guichenoti populations in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River were analyzed to investigate the impact of dam constructions. While genetic diversity did not significantly differ between 2009 and 2019, population structure became stronger and some populations showed significant differentiation in 2019. Populations at higher elevations were found to be more vulnerable than those at lower elevations, calling for conservation and restoration efforts such as fish passage and artificial breeding.