Genetic relationships between Woodland and Barren ground caribou

Curtis Strobeck,John Coffin

doi:10.7557/2.16.4.1290

Abstract

Abstract: The genetic relationships between woodland and barren ground caribou herds are being investigated using both mitochondrial and nuclear D N A . D N A sequence variation i n the most variable region (the D l o o p region) o f mitochondrial D N A indicate the woodland caribou from Newfoundland, Ontario, Alberta, and Brit ish Co lumbia are closely related and form a monophyletic clade although introgression o f barren ground mitochondrial genotypes occur i n some herds. In addition, micro-satellites, w h i c h are highly variable nuclear loc i used for D N A finger printing, are being developed w h i c h can distinguish individuals w i t h i n and between herds.

Highlights

In early July and again i n early October 1988-91, 36 different adult female caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) o f the Central Arctic H e r d were captured and weighed 92 times (i.e., 46 pairs of weights)
I n addition, micro-satellites, which are highly variable nuclear l o c i used for D N A finger printing, are being developed which can distinguish individuals within and between herds
JulyO ctober weight gain (y;, kg) varied inversely withJuly body weight (x;, kg): yi = -0.51 X ; + 54.71 (r = 0.75; P < 0.001); the hypothetical autumn "target" body weight (i.e., x-intercept) o f 107 k g yields a 99% probability that a female w i l l ovulate, conceive, and carry a fetus to term

Summary

Introduction

In early July and again i n early October 1988-91, 36 different adult female caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) o f the Central Arctic H e r d were captured and weighed 92 times (i.e., 46 pairs of weights). Genetic relationships between Woodland and Barren ground caribou Abstract: T h e genetic relationships between woodland and barren ground caribou herds are being investigated using both mitochondrial and nuclear D N A .

Results

Conclusion