Genetic Variability within and between Populations

Dear Colleagues,

The difference in the genetic variation within and between populations is an important measure that is routinely used in population genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology. A number of methods have been developed to capture this difference, which is called the fixation index or FST. This reveals the level of genetic structure and gene flow between populations. Traditionally, allele frequencies were used to calculate FST. With the advent of DNA sequencing technologies, population structure or differentiation was estimated using microsatellites and single nucleotide variations (SNVs).  Recent developments in sequencing technologies have resulted in a drastic reduction in the cost of sequencing whole genomes, which has enabled researchers to decipher the sequences of whole genomes of populations. Using the large volume of genome data, it is now possible to measure the amounts of genetic variations within and among populations with high precision. Importantly, whole genome- or SNP array-based estimates are able to detect the fine-scale population structure in many species that were not recognized before. These results have provided detailed insights and revised our understanding of the demography of populations and the signatures of natural selection that shaped the evolution of various species. Therefore, a comprehensive issue of Biology comprising articles highlighting the above will be useful for researchers in the fields of genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

This Special Issue of Biology aims to publish research focused on the demography of populations, including genetic structure, migration, gene flow, introgression, inbreeding, and population divergence. Population genetics studies addressing questions in the applied fields such as medicine, agriculture, veterinary, fisheries, and conservation are also welcome. We consider original research articles, short communications, methods, reviews, and opinions. The deadline is only for submission, and articles will be published immediately after acceptance.

Dr. Sankar Subramanian
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• genetic structure
• population differentiation
• FST or fixation index
• migration
• gene flow
• admixture
• heterozygosity
• inbreeding
• coalescence time
• allele frequency
• random mating