Certain species may have an advantage in surviving global climate change, according to research conducted at Trent University’s DNA laboratory by Dr. Brenna McLeod, who earned her Ph.D. at Trent in 2008.
In her study, Dr. McLeod analyzed the mitochondrial DNA from 106 bowhead whale specimens from the Central Canadian Arctic, dating from roughly 470 BP to 10,290 BP, and compared them to present day samples. “The Holocene period was characterized by abrupt climatic changes which influenced the distribution of bowhead whales,” said Dr. McLeod. “I was interested in learning if this was reflected in levels of diversity and population.”
Her analysis indicated there was no detectable change in population structuring or genetic diversity during that period. “It appears that the bowhead whale has been able to maintain DNA diversity in the face of climatic change that altered its distribution,” said Dr. McLeod. “This may be due to a variety of reasons which suggest that certain species may have an advantage under future climate change scenarios.”
Dr. McLeod‘s research formed part of her doctoral thesis while enrolled in Trent’s Watershed Ecosytems program. From 2003 to 2008, she studied the DNA of 10,000 year old bowhead whale specimens, using the technology at the ancient DNA lab. Her paper, “Examination of ten thousand years of mitochondrial DNA diversity and population demographics in bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) of the Central Canadian Arctic,” was recently published by Marine Mammal Science.
Dr. McLeod credits Trent University’s facilities, in particular the laboratory for the study of ancient DNA, with making her research possible. “It’s important to keep ancient DNA isolated from contemporary DNA, because it is very sensitive to DNA contamination,” said Dr. McLeod. “This analysis wouldn’t have been possible without the technology available at Trent’s ancient DNA laboratory.”
The ancient DNA laboratory is located in a separate part of the DNA complex at Trent University, where strict protocols and guidelines for the proper handling of ancient fauna and flora specimens are enforced. The DNA complex, which is a part of Trent’s Life and Health Sciences building, also houses a controlled greenhouse, a wildlife disease lab, a genomics lab, an automation lab and a bio-containment Level III facility.
Dr. McLeod also stressed the importance of working in the collaborative research environment that exists at the DNA lab. “It was helpful to be able to discuss my research with other students who were also analyzing ancient DNA, especially when it came to troubleshooting my methodology,” said Dr. McLeod.
Dr. McLeod’s work emphasizes the value of analyzing ancient DNA to help us understand how historical climate change has affected species distributions, migrations and demography. In so doing, we can better predict species survival under future climate change scenarios.
About Dr. Brenna McLeod
Originally from Alberta, Brenna McLeod came to Trent University as an undergraduate student in 1996. She continued at Trent as a graduate student in the Watershed Ecosytems program (Now Environmental Life Sciences), earning her Ph.D. in 2008.
She is currently a research associate with the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History; a part-time teacher at St. Mary’s University; and she continues to do research on the genetic characteristics of ancient marine mammals.
She credits her experience at Trent’s DNA lab with helping her to develop the life skills which she now relies upon as a scientist and creative individual. It’s also where she met her husband, Tim Frasier, a fellow researcher.
Dr. McLeod maintains a connection with Trent, continuing her research on the North Atlantic right and bowhead whales with Dr. Brad White, chair of Biology at Trent, and working with Dr. Chris Furgal, professor of Environmental Studies to create non-profit materials that will assist people conducting research in the Arctic.
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.