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Population Genetics And Phylogeography Of The Pygmy Nuthatch In Southern California, Thomas Alan Benson
Population Genetics And Phylogeography Of The Pygmy Nuthatch In Southern California, Thomas Alan Benson
Theses Digitization Project
Uses mitochondrial DNA sequence data to examine the degree of genetic differentiation among sky island populations of two subspecies of pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea melanotis and Sitta pygmaea leuconucha) occurring in Southern California. Assesses the hypothesis that sky islands are genetically isolated and that migration (gene flow) is restricted among them. Eleven sampling locations throughout Southern California were selected based on representation of subspecies, availability of specimens, and feasibility of collection. Results indicate that pygmy nuthatch populations fragmented in the disjunct mountain ranges of Southern California exhibit low but significant levels of genetic differentiation.