Genetic and environmental contributions to diversity in salmon maturation and migratory life histories

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Salmon are often thought to be locally adapted due to their natal homing and remarkable life history variation; yet little empirical evidence exists to support this. Additive genetic variance is an important component of adaptation, yet environment, epigenetics, non-additive genetics, and phenotypic plasticity also have roles in rapid evolution and local adaptation. I propose to use molecular, population, and quantitative genetic methods combined with field measurements to quantify the various genetic, epigenetic and environmental effects on maturation and migration life history traits in Pacific salmon. Pacific salmon are ideal model organisms for my research as they exhibit extreme life history variation and experience strong selection (since they die after spawning); my proposed research will capitalize on my experience in salmon genetics, ecology and physiology to assess rapid evolution and local adaptation in Pacific salmon.