Ancestry and Adaptation of Rainbow Trout in Yosemite National Park

A study on Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Yosemite National Park's upper Tuolumne and Merced rivers reveals that most populations retain indigenous ancestry despite extensive hatchery stocking. The research identifies adaptive genomic variation linked to anadromy, with higher frequencies in populations connected to reservoirs, suggesting potential for climate adaptation. It also highlights the importance of restoring migratory connectivity for steelhead recovery. The study used genetic surveys to evaluate population origins and evolutionary responses to natural and artificial migration barriers.

Pearse, D. E., & Campbell, M. A. (2018). Ancestry and Adaptation of Rainbow Trout in Yosemite National Park. Fisheries, 43(10), 472–484. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsh.10136