Zayed, AmroRitchie, Caroline Rose2025-07-232025-07-232025-04-242025-07-23https://hdl.handle.net/10315/43073Unraveling the evolutionary history of Apis mellifera reveals how populations have adapted to diverse environments, resisted disease, and responded to human influence. An admixed population of A. m. intermissa in Morocco has sparked debate over the dispersal routes of A. mellifera and the origin of the European (M) lineage. Yet, despite its identification, the genomic consequences of this admixture remain largely unexplored. We analyzed global and local ancestry, estimated admixture timing, and assessed genetic diversity in this A. m. intermissa population. Our findings reveal recent admixture, occurring ~14 generations ago, with genome-wide diversity reflecting an intermediate value between progenitor lineages. Notable regions on chromosomes 7 and 11 showed high enrichment for M lineage ancestry. Functional enrichment and prior studies suggest these regions influence detoxification, immunity, development, and hormonal regulation. Four QTLs with 18 loci further support M lineage contributions to Varroa destructor resilience. These findings reveal the functional role of M lineage ancestry in North African Apis mellifera populations and offer a framework for further exploring the genomic outcomes of admixture.Author owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.BiologyEcologyAgricultureElectronic Thesis or Dissertation2025-07-23Apis mellifera Apis mellifera intermissa Admixture Local ancestry Genetic diversity Evolutionary history Hybridization Population Genetics North African Apis mellifera