Pan-continental genomic analysis of Eurasian perch uncovers global diversity hotspots and postglacial recolonization patterns.

Abstract

The contemporary distribution of genetic diversity in widespread freshwater species reflects a complex interplay between historical processes and recent demographic events. We investigated the postglacial recolonization history of the Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) across its native range spanning Europe and Western Siberia, aiming to understand how historical and recent demographic processes have shaped contemporary genetic diversity in a widespread freshwater species. Using an integrative genomic approach, we combined whole mitochondrial genome resequencing with nuclear SNP-array genotyping (3660 SNPs) for 382 individuals from 188 locations to reconstruct patterns of lineage divergence, population structure, and admixture. We identified five highly divergent mitochondrial lineages, consistent with the existence of multiple glacial refugia across Southwestern, Southeastern, and Central Europe, as well as Siberia. Nuclear data (3660 SNPs) revealed three major genetic clusters corresponding to Western, Northern, and Southeastern Europe, along with strong regional admixture. The Baltic Sea region emerged as a contemporary hotspot of genetic diversity, likely resulting from the admixture and convergence of distinct maternal lineages during the postglacial recolonization of Northern Europe. Signals of isolation by distance were evident both within and across lineages, highlighting the role of limited dispersal in shaping current genetic patterns. The integration of mitochondrial and nuclear genomic data provided a comprehensive view of the evolutionary history of P. fluviatilis, revealing both deep historical divergence and recent admixture events. The existence of multiple glacial refugia and subsequent secondary contact underscores the complexity of postglacial recolonization processes in freshwater fauna. These findings advance our understanding of how historical and contemporary factors interact to shape biodiversity across Europe.