Phenotypic differentiation despite gene flow: Beak morphology, bite performance, and population genetics of Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus).

Previous studies of Loggerhead Shrikes (Laniidae: Lanius ludovicianus) in North America have indicated considerable intraspecific genetic and phenotypic differentiation, but the congruence between genetic and phenotypic differentiation remains obscure. We examined phenotypic differences in beak shape and bite force among geographic groupings across a 950 km range, from the lower Imperial Valley to the upper Central Valley of California, USA. We integrated these analyses with a population genetic analysis of six microsatellite markers to test for correspondence between phenotypic and genetic differences among geographic groups. We found significant phenotypic differentiation despite a lack of significant genetic differentiation among groups. Pairwise beak shape and bite force distances nevertheless were correlated with genetic (F ST) distances among geographic groups. Furthermore, the phenotypic and genetic distance matrices were correlated with pairwise geographic distances. Takentogether, these results suggest that phenotypic differences might be influenced by neutral processes, inbreeding (as indicated by high heterozygosity deficiencies we observed), local adaptation, and/or phenotypic plasticity.

Continued misuse of multiple testing correction methods in population genetics-A wake-up call?

Population geneticists often use multiple independent hypothesis tests of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE), Linkage Disequilibrium (LD), and population differentiation, to make broad inferences about their systems of choice. However, correcting for Family-Wise Error Rates (FWER) that are inflated due to multiple comparisons, is sparingly reported in our current literature. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, perform a meta-analysis of 215 population genetics studies published between 2011 and 2013 to show (i) scarce use of FWER corrections across all three classes of tests, and (ii) when used, inconsistent application of correction methods with a clear bias towards less-conservative corrections for tests of population differentiation, than for tests of HWE, and LD. Here we replicate this meta-analysis using 205 population genetics studies published between 2013 and 2018, to show the same continued disuse, and inconsistencies. We hope that both studies serve as a wake-up call to population geneticists, reviewers, and editors to be rigorous about consistently correcting for FWER inflation.