A Unifying Model for the Analysis of Phenotypic, Genetic, and Geographic Data

Recognition of evolutionary units (species, populations) requires integrating several kinds of data, such as genetic or phenotypic markers or spatial information in order to get a comprehensive view concerning the differentiation of the units. We propose a statistical model with a double original advantage: (i) it incorporates information about the spatial distribution of the samples, with the aim to increase inference power and to relate more explicitly observed patterns to geography and (ii) it allows one to analyze genetic and phenotypic data within a unified model and inference framework, thus opening the way to robust comparisons between markers and possibly combined analyses. We show from simulated data as well as real data that our method estimates parameters accurately and is an improvement over alternative approaches in many situations. The power of this method is exemplified using an intricate case of inter- and intraspecies differentiation based on an original data set of georeferenced genetic and morphometric markers obtained on Myodes voles from Sweden. A computer program is made available as an extension of the R package Genelan

A Unifying Model for the Analysis of Phenotypic, Genetic and Geographic Data

Recognition of evolutionary units (species, populations) requires integrating several kinds of data such as genetic or phenotypic markers or spatial information, in order to get a comprehensive view concerning the differentiation of the units. We propose a statistical model with a double original advantage: (i) it incorporates information about the spatial distribution of the samples, with the aim to increase inference power and to relate more explicitly observed patterns to geography; and (ii) it allows one to analyze genetic and phenotypic data within a unified model and inference framework, thus opening the way to robust comparisons between markers and possibly combined analyzes. We show from simulated data as well are real data from the literature that our method estimates parameters accurately and improves alternative approaches in many situations. The interest of this method is exemplified using an intricate case of inter- and intra-species differentiation based on an original data-set of georeferenced genetic and morphometric markers obtained on {\em Myodes} voles from Sweden. A computer program is made available as an extension of the R package Geneland

Morphometrics as an Insight Into Processes Beyond Tooth Shape Variation in a Bank Vole Population

Phenotype variation is a key feature in evolution, being produced by development and the target of the screening by selection. We focus here on a variable morphological feature: the third upper molar (UM3) of the bank vole, aiming at identifying the sources of this variation. Size and shape of the UM3 occlusal surface was quantified in successive samples of a bank vole population. The first source of variation was the season of trapping, due to differences in the age structure of the population in turn affecting the wear of the teeth. The second direction of variation corresponded to the occurrence, or not, of an additional triangle on the tooth. This intra-specific variation was attributed to the space available at the posterior end of the UM3, allowing or not the addition of a further triangle.This size variation triggering the shape polymorphism is not controlled by the developmental cascade along the molar row. This suggests that other sources of size variation, possibly epigenetic, might be involved. They would trigger an important shape variation as side-effect by affecting the termination of the sequential addition of triangles on the tooth

La dynamique évolutive du campagnol roussâtre (Myodes glareolus) : structure spatiale des variations morphométriques

The climatic fluctuations of the Quaternary (<2.5 Ma) provide an appropriate background to the study of the influence of the actual climatic change on the biodiversity. For example, the last glaciation, including the Last Glacial Maximum (~19000 yrs), shaped the geographic distribution observed on actual species.The aim of my thesis was to better understand how a forest-related species of rodent, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), was affected by the Quaternary cycles. In this way, I used a morphometric approach of diverse characters involved in the mastication process (mandible and molars) to quantify the shape differentiation related to the influence of several factors.Contrasted results were observed, the mandible being widely influenced by the age structure of the studied populations. In contrary, molars can be used as relevant markers of the biogeographic structuration of the bank vole.The study on the size and shape variations of actual specimens needed the integration of various fields of research, dealing with the genetic heritage of the organisms, their development, the environment etc.It allowed a better comprehension of the complexity of the processes leading to a wide diversity of shape patterns within the bank vole.Les fluctuations climatiques Quaternaires (<2.5 Ma) offrent un contexte approprié à l’étude de l’impact du changement climatique actuel sur la biodiversité. La dernière glaciation, dont le maximum glaciaire s'est terminé il y a environ 19 000 ans, a ainsi largement participé à la distribution des espèces actuelles. Les derniers milliers d'années constituent donc une période propice à l'étude de la mise en place et du maintien de la biodiversité.L'objectif de ma thèse a été de mieux comprendre comment une espèce de rongeur forestier apparue il y a environ 2 Ma, le campagnol roussâtre (Myodes glareolus), a répondu à ces cycles du Quaternaire. Mon étude s’est basée sur une approche morphométrique de plusieurs caractères impliqués dans la mastication (mandibule et molaires), visant à quantifier la différenciation de forme associée à l’influence de différents facteurs.Des résultats contrastés ont été obtenus selon le caractère considéré, la mandibule montrant une importante variabilité liée aux variations de la structure d’âge des populations. Au contraire, les molaires ont pu être utilisées comme marqueur de la structuration biogéographique du campagnol roussâtre.L'étude dans l'actuel des variations de taille et de forme des molaires et mandibules du campagnol roussâtre Myodes glareolus a nécessité l'intégration de thématiques variées touchant au patrimoine génétique des organismes, à leur développement, aux traits d'histoire de vie, à l'environnement, etc. Ceci a permis de mieux appréhender la complexité des processus conduisant à la grande diversité des patrons de forme observés chez le campagnol roussâtre

The evolutive dynamic of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) : Spatial structure of the morphometric variations

Les fluctuations climatiques Quaternaires (<2.5 Ma) offrent un contexte approprié à l’étude de l’impact du changement climatique actuel sur la biodiversité. La dernière glaciation, dont le maximum glaciaire s'est terminé il y a environ 19 000 ans, a ainsi largement participé à la distribution des espèces actuelles. Les derniers milliers d'années constituent donc une période propice à l'étude de la mise en place et du maintien de la biodiversité.L'objectif de ma thèse a été de mieux comprendre comment une espèce de rongeur forestier apparue il y a environ 2 Ma, le campagnol roussâtre (Myodes glareolus), a répondu à ces cycles du Quaternaire. Mon étude s’est basée sur une approche morphométrique de plusieurs caractères impliqués dans la mastication (mandibule et molaires), visant à quantifier la différenciation de forme associée à l’influence de différents facteurs.Des résultats contrastés ont été obtenus selon le caractère considéré, la mandibule montrant une importante variabilité liée aux variations de la structure d’âge des populations. Au contraire, les molaires ont pu être utilisées comme marqueur de la structuration biogéographique du campagnol roussâtre.L'étude dans l'actuel des variations de taille et de forme des molaires et mandibules du campagnol roussâtre Myodes glareolus a nécessité l'intégration de thématiques variées touchant au patrimoine génétique des organismes, à leur développement, aux traits d'histoire de vie, à l'environnement, etc. Ceci a permis de mieux appréhender la complexité des processus conduisant à la grande diversité des patrons de forme observés chez le campagnol roussâtre.The climatic fluctuations of the Quaternary (<2.5 Ma) provide an appropriate background to the study of the influence of the actual climatic change on the biodiversity. For example, the last glaciation, including the Last Glacial Maximum (~19000 yrs), shaped the geographic distribution observed on actual species.The aim of my thesis was to better understand how a forest-related species of rodent, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), was affected by the Quaternary cycles. In this way, I used a morphometric approach of diverse characters involved in the mastication process (mandible and molars) to quantify the shape differentiation related to the influence of several factors.Contrasted results were observed, the mandible being widely influenced by the age structure of the studied populations. In contrary, molars can be used as relevant markers of the biogeographic structuration of the bank vole.The study on the size and shape variations of actual specimens needed the integration of various fields of research, dealing with the genetic heritage of the organisms, their development, the environment etc.It allowed a better comprehension of the complexity of the processes leading to a wide diversity of shape patterns within the bank vole

The evolutive dynamic of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) : Spatial structure of the morphometric variations

Les fluctuations climatiques Quaternaires (<2.5 Ma) offrent un contexte approprié à l’étude de l’impact du changement climatique actuel sur la biodiversité. La dernière glaciation, dont le maximum glaciaire s'est terminé il y a environ 19 000 ans, a ainsi largement participé à la distribution des espèces actuelles. Les derniers milliers d'années constituent donc une période propice à l'étude de la mise en place et du maintien de la biodiversité.L'objectif de ma thèse a été de mieux comprendre comment une espèce de rongeur forestier apparue il y a environ 2 Ma, le campagnol roussâtre (Myodes glareolus), a répondu à ces cycles du Quaternaire. Mon étude s’est basée sur une approche morphométrique de plusieurs caractères impliqués dans la mastication (mandibule et molaires), visant à quantifier la différenciation de forme associée à l’influence de différents facteurs.Des résultats contrastés ont été obtenus selon le caractère considéré, la mandibule montrant une importante variabilité liée aux variations de la structure d’âge des populations. Au contraire, les molaires ont pu être utilisées comme marqueur de la structuration biogéographique du campagnol roussâtre.L'étude dans l'actuel des variations de taille et de forme des molaires et mandibules du campagnol roussâtre Myodes glareolus a nécessité l'intégration de thématiques variées touchant au patrimoine génétique des organismes, à leur développement, aux traits d'histoire de vie, à l'environnement, etc. Ceci a permis de mieux appréhender la complexité des processus conduisant à la grande diversité des patrons de forme observés chez le campagnol roussâtre.The climatic fluctuations of the Quaternary (<2.5 Ma) provide an appropriate background to the study of the influence of the actual climatic change on the biodiversity. For example, the last glaciation, including the Last Glacial Maximum (~19000 yrs), shaped the geographic distribution observed on actual species.The aim of my thesis was to better understand how a forest-related species of rodent, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), was affected by the Quaternary cycles. In this way, I used a morphometric approach of diverse characters involved in the mastication process (mandible and molars) to quantify the shape differentiation related to the influence of several factors.Contrasted results were observed, the mandible being widely influenced by the age structure of the studied populations. In contrary, molars can be used as relevant markers of the biogeographic structuration of the bank vole.The study on the size and shape variations of actual specimens needed the integration of various fields of research, dealing with the genetic heritage of the organisms, their development, the environment etc.It allowed a better comprehension of the complexity of the processes leading to a wide diversity of shape patterns within the bank vole