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MICROGEOGRAPHIC LINEAGE ANALYSIS BY MITOCHONDRIAL GENOTYPE: VARIATION IN THE COTTON RAT ( SIGMODON HISPIDUS )
Author(s) -
Kessler Louis G.,
Avise John C.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.84
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1558-5646
pISSN - 0014-3820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1985.tb00424.x
Subject(s) - sigmodon hispidus , biology , cotton rat , lineage (genetic) , variation (astronomy) , genotype , malvaceae , mitochondrial dna , evolutionary biology , zoology , genetics , gene , botany , astrophysics , virus , physics
We evaluate the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic markers to describe population structure and matrilineal kinship on a microgeographic scale. An analysis of restriction site variation in 134 cotton rats ( Sigmodon hispidus ) collected from a 3.2 hectare field revealed significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity in frequencies of mtDNA genotypes among nest sites. Inspection of particular genotypes provided additional information about minimum numbers of female lineages (family units) per nest site, and the possible matrilineal affiliations of individuals. However, since shared genotypes are not necessarily synapomorphs having arisen within the study area, conclusions about dispersal must remain reserved. Study of the maternally‐transmitted mtDNA genome offers novel perspectives on the meaning of microgeographic population structure.