Statistical methods in spatial genetics

Mol Ecol. 2009 Dec;18(23):4734-56. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04410.x. Epub 2009 Oct 29.

Abstract

The joint analysis of spatial and genetic data is rapidly becoming the norm in population genetics. More and more studies explicitly describe and quantify the spatial organization of genetic variation and try to relate it to underlying ecological processes. As it has become increasingly difficult to keep abreast with the latest methodological developments, we review the statistical toolbox available to analyse population genetic data in a spatially explicit framework. We mostly focus on statistical concepts but also discuss practical aspects of the analytical methods, highlighting not only the potential of various approaches but also methodological pitfalls.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cluster Analysis
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genetics, Population*
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Models, Statistical*