The Experts below are selected from a list of 1623 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Michael J. Dewey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Kelly L. Prince - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Christopher L. Parkinson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Unraveling natural versus anthropogenic effects on genetic diversity within the southeastern beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris)
    Conservation Genetics, 2012
    Co-Authors: Håkon M. Kalkvik, I. Jack Stout, Christopher L. Parkinson
    Abstract:

    Anthropogenic habitat loss is among the greatest threats to biodiversity. Populations undergoing fragmentation and loss of habitat are also threatened by erosion of genetic diversity. However, contemporary genetic diversity may be the legacy of natural processes acting prior to anthropogenic influences. Measurements of genetic diversity from contemporary and historical samples can evaluate the relative impact of natural and anthropogenic effects on its status. We investigated the genetic diversity of a threatened subspecies occupying Atlantic Coast barrier islands of Florida, Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris (southeastern beach mouse). To test for recent loss of genetic diversity, we compared cyt b data from museum samples (historical—prior to human impact) with contemporary samples throughout their range. Ten microsatellite loci were genotyped for samples from the contemporary range, to determine current population interconnectedness and structure. The results using cyt b data revealed no statistically significant loss of genetic diversity between historical and contemporary populations of P. p. niveiventris. Both nuclear and mitochondrial data support our conclusion that the observed capture and conservation of historical genetic diversity is explained by the large federally protected region of continuous habitat that remains with minimal human impact. Whereas, the two disjunct populations isolated by anthropogenic habitat destruction, exhibit significant losses of genetic diversity. Collectively, these findings offer a sound basis from which to formulate a conservation strategy to maintain the genetic diversity of P. p. niveiventris. Furthermore, our study underscores the importance of large expanses of continuous habitat within the geographic range of species to facilitate the maintenance of genetic integrity.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    2012
    Co-Authors: Christopher L. Parkinson
    Abstract:

    Unraveling natural versus anthropogenic effects on genetic diversity within the southeastern beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

  • Population genetics and conservation of the threatened southeastern beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris): subspecies and evolutionary units
    Conservation Genetics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Jacob F. Degner, I. Jack Stout, James D. Roth, Christopher L. Parkinson
    Abstract:

    We investigated genetic diversity within the southeastern beach mouse (SEBM-Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris) and also tested the hypothesis that the subspecies recognition of P.p. niveiventris, based on size and color differences, is congruent with this taxon representing a discrete evolutionary lineage. We used ten polymorphic microsatellite loci and mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene DNA sequences to investigate genetic diversity and population structure within the SEBM, and to determine the level of divergence between the SEBM and the nearest known inland subspecies of the oldfield mouse (Peromyscus polionotus rhoadsi). Moderate genetic distances were observed between the SEBM and the inland oldfield mouse based on microsatellite data, with F ST values ranging from 0.11 to 0.22 between these taxa. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of the SEBM formed a distinct monophyletic group relative to haplotypes sampled from P. p. rhoadsi. Based on previous estimates of rates of mitochondrial DNA evolution in rodents, we inferred that Pleistocene sea-level fluctuations are likely responsible for the historical isolation of the SEBM lineage from mainland P. polionotus. Our data demonstrate the genetic distinctiveness of the SEBM, justifying the current subspecies designation for the SEBM and its continued protection under the United States Endangered Species Act. We classify the Cape Canaveral and Smyrna Dunes Park populations of SEBM as a single evolutionary significant unit. The two known extant allopatric populations of the SEBM showed some differentiation in microsatellite frequencies and were moderately reciprocally distinguishable based on assignment to distinct genetic clusters by a Bayesian admixture procedure. These results justify the classification of these two extant SEBM populations as distinct management units that should be independent targets of management and conservation attention.

Travis C Glenn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Hopi E Hoekstra - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.