Data from: High genomic diversity and candidate genes under selection associated with range expansion in eastern coyote (Canis latrans) populations

Range expansion is a widespread biological process, with well described
theoretical expectations for the genomic outcomes accompanying the
colonization of novel ranges. However, comparatively few empirical studies
address the genome-wide consequences associated with the range expansion
process, particularly in recent or on-going expansions. Here, we assess
two recent and distinct eastward expansion fronts of a highly mobile
carnivore, the coyote (Canis latrans), to investigate patterns of genomic
diversity and identify variants that may have been under selection during
range expansion. Using a restriction enzyme assisted sequencing approach
(RADseq), we genotyped 394 coyotes at 22,935 SNPs and found that overall
population structure corresponded to their 19th century historical range
and two distinct populations that expanded during the 20th century.
Counter to theoretical expectations for populations to bottleneck during
range expansions, we observed minimal evidence for decreased genomic
diversity across coyotes sampled along either expansion front, which is
likely due to hybridization with other Canis species. Furthermore, we
identified 12 SNPs, located either within genes or putative regulatory
regions, that were consistently associated with range expansion. Of these
12 genes, three (CACNA1C, ALK, and EPHA6) have putative functions related
to dispersal, including habituation to novel environments and spatial
learning, consistent with the expectations for traits under selection
during range expansion. Although coyote colonization of eastern North
America is well-publicized, this study provides novel insights by
identifying genes associated with dispersal capabilities in coyotes on the
two eastern expansion fronts.