Laurence, Sophie2014-03-192014-03-192014-03-19https://laurentian.scholaris.ca/handle/10219/2171Understanding the factors and processes that influence intraspecific genetic variation are essential to better understand evolutionary processes. In this research, I examined patterns of gene flow and their effects on the distribution of genetic variation and spatial genetic structuring at different spatial scales. I used a combination of population genetics, spatial analysis, morphometrics and phylogeography in order to understand the patterns of genetic variation and their resulting phenotypic variations in a semi-aquatic species, the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus).enGenetic variationPopulation genetic structureMuskratThesis