Data from: Standing genetic diversity and selection at functional gene loci are associated with differential invasion success in two non-native fish species

Invasive species are expected to experience a unique combination of high
genetic drift due to demographic factors while also experiencing strong
selective pressures. The paradigm that reduced genetic diversity should
limit the evolutionary potential of invasive species and thus their
potential for range expansion has received little empirical support,
possibly due to the choice of genetic markers. Our goal was to test for
effects of genetic drift and selection at functional genetic markers as
they relate to the invasion success of two paired invasive goby species,
one widespread (successful) and one with limited range expansion (less
successful). We genotyped fish using two marker types: single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) in known-function, protein-coding genes and
microsatellites to contrast the effects of neutral genetic processes. We
identified reduced allelic variation in the invaded range for the
less-successful tubenose goby. SNPs putatively under selection were
responsible for the observed differences in population structure between
marker types for round goby (successful) but not tubenose goby (less
successful). A higher proportion of functional loci experienced divergent
selection for round goby, suggesting increased evolutionary potential in
invaded ranges may be associated with round goby's greater invasion
success. Genes involved in thermal tolerance were divergent for round goby
populations but not tubenose goby, consistent with the hypothesis that
invasion success for fish in temperate regions is influenced by capacity
for thermal tolerance. Our results highlight the need to incorporate
functional genetic markers in studies to better assess evolutionary
potential for the improved conservation and management of species.