Suchergebnisse

Genetic Differentiation of Dabbling Ducks (Anseriformes: Anas) Populations From Palaearctic in Time and Space
The genetic variation among populations of dabbling ducks (563 samples of A. acuta, A. clypeata, A. crecca, A. querquedula, A. falcata, A. penelope, A. platyrhynchos) in the Palaearctic region (Lithuania, Chukotka, Kamchatka, Lena, Ob and Kara rivers) was investigated between 1980 and 1998. Fifteen loci of blood serum proteins were surveyed for genetic variation using polyacrylamid gel electrophoresis, and eight polymorphic loci were found. The analysis of genetic variation at population and species levels shows that allele frequencies are temporarily variable. The general genetic diversity of dabbling ducks differed among geographically different populations: for Northern Pintail between Ho = 0.264 from Ob river and Ho = 0.331 from Kamchatka; for Eurasian Wigeon between Ho=0.185 from Ob and Ho = 0.263 from Lena river. In Mallard populations mean heterozygosity ranged from Ho = 0.242 (Vente 1998, Lithuania) to Ho = 0.366 (Antanavas 1987, Lithuania). The data obtained from genetic distances revealed that Mallards of Lithuania form no discrete populations and vary temporarily and spatially.

Cross-Species Applicability of Microsatellite Markers for Investigation of Sea Ducks (Mergini) Genetic Differentiation
Genetic studies of waterfowl have provided insufficient information on the evolutionary history of the sea duck tribe (Mergini, Anseriformes), as highly variable molecular markers have not been identified. Cross-species applicability of microsatellites has been shown for several bird families. Therefore, the objective of our work was to examine whether specific primers used previously for Anatidae, Phasianidae and Laridae taxons could amplify microsatellite loci of sea duck species: Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), Goosander (Mergus merganser) and Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca). Tissue samples were collected and DNA was extracted by rapid salt extraction method. Amplification of DNA fragments was carried out using specific microsatellite primers of APH21, Aalmu1, Sfimu4, Sfimu5 (Anatidae), ADL209, ADL115 (Phasianidae) and K71, RGB28 (Laridae). Four primer pairs (APH21, Aalmu1, K71, and nSfimu4) were suitable for investigation of interspecies genetic variability among Long-tailed duck and Velvet Scoter. Intraspecies specificity has been detected for primer pair ADL 209 in all three duck species. The primer pair APH21 was selected as most promising for investigation of intraspecies variability of Long-tailed duck and Velvet Scoter.

Haplotypic variability and population genetic structure of Garganey Anas querquedula and common pochard Aythyla ferina in the Western Palearctic
The mitochondrial DNA (D-loop of mtDNA) sequencing method was used for investigation of various populations of Garganey Anas querquedula and Common Pochard Aythya ferina in the Western Palearctic. Reconstructed phylogenetic relationships based on comparison of D-loop sequences enabled to identify genetic similarity on the level of individual birds and to designate populations with different genetic structure. Identified haplotypic variability indicated the existence of two populations of Garganey with a different genetic structure in Europe. Some genetic variability was also observed among populations of Common Pochard of different origin. Haplotypic variability at different levels was found in both investigated species, despite a considerable overlap in wintering sites used by Garganeys and Common Pochards breeding in various regions.