Mitochondrial DNA evidence of an early Holocene population expansion of threespine sticklebacks from Scotland

In this study, we analyzed the cytochrome b gene in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) populations from Scotland. We found evidence of a postglacial population expansion in Scotland and large differences in genetic diversity estimates among populations. Higher levels of genetic diversity are negatively correlated with distance from the ocean. In addition, distance from the ocean and predation risk both explain variation in plate count in Scottish populations. Overall, the mtDNA data support the racemic model of evolution in threespine stickleback. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.