Abstract
Genetic data are crucial for making inferences about the evolutionary history of species and deriving guidelines for conservation strategies. In conservation genetics studies, each step should be critically evaluated, from sampling strategy to data quality assessment and analytical methods: potential issues and biases should be considered, reproducibility should be guaranteed and the results of different analyses should be critically evaluated. By incorporating all these steps, we re-analysed data from Baker et al. (Heredity 119:16–26, 2017): our results led to conclusions that contradict the ones reached by the authors, which were based on weak support and biased analyses. European fallow deer current genetic makeup most likely derives from extensive human-mediated translocations. The genetic expectations of glacial refugia hypothesis cannot be found in current European fallow deer populations.
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We would like to thank four anonymous reviewers for their constructive criticism that helped us improve a former version of this work.
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DNA sequences: Genbank accessions KY564399–KY564432 (Baker et al. 2017); JF505623–JF505632 (Ludwig et al. 2012); MN148292–MN148313 (Masseti et al. 2008). Microsatellite DNA genotypes from Baker et al. (2017): Dryad Digital Repository https://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.d2g8v.r. Supplementary Information is available in the online version of this article at the publisher’s website.
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Marchesini, A., Vernesi, C., Gandolfi, A. et al. No genetic signature of glacial refugia in current European fallow deer (Dama dama dama L., 1758) populations: a comment on Baker et al. (2017). Mamm Biol 101, 305–312 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-020-00076-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-020-00076-0