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TELOMERE LENGTH DIFFERENCES INDICATE CLIMATE CHANGE-INDUCED STRESS AND POPULATION DECLINE IN A MIGRATORY BIRD
  • Marina Rodriguez,
  • Rachael Bay,
  • Kristen Ruegg
Marina Rodriguez
Colorado State University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Rachael Bay
University of California Davis
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Kristen Ruegg
Colorado State University
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Abstract

Genomic projections of (mal)adaptation under future climate change, known as genomic offset, faces limited application due to challenges in validating model predictions. Individuals inhabiting regions with high genomic offset are expected to experience increased levels of physiological stress as a result of climate change, but documenting such stress can be challenging in systems where experimental manipulations are not possible. One increasingly common method for documenting physiological costs associated with stress in individuals is to measure the relative length of telomeres – the repetitive regions on the caps of chromosomes that are known to shorten at faster rates in more adverse conditions. Here we combine models of genomic offsets with measures of telomere shortening in a migratory bird, the yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia), and find a strong correlation between genomic offset, telomere length, and population decline. While further research is needed to fully understand these links, our results support the idea that birds in regions where climate change is happening faster are experiencing more stress and that such negative effects may help explain the observed population declines.
Submitted to Molecular Ecology
Submission Checks Completed
Assigned to Editor
Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Jul 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
21 Oct 20241st Revision Received
22 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
22 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
22 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending