Polar bear population structure and gene flow

What is it about?

A recent population genetics study of the worldwide polar bear population suggested different population structure than has previously been reported and large-scale movement of polar bears in response to loss of sea ice. In this paper, we rectify some errors in data analysis, re-estimate population structure, and show that--although polar bears will certainly be affected by loss of sea ice--there is not yet any genetic evidence of large-scale movement in response to ice loss.

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Why is it important?

We believe that this study is the most accurate representation of polar bear population structure to date and gives a more realistic estimate of large-scale polar bear movement. In addition, this study stresses the importance of open data sharing and reproducibility analyses, as well as the importance of closely scrutinizing an article's supplementary material.