Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 3 of 3
Full-Text Articles in Molecular Biology
Molecular Evolution And Biogeography Of The New World Eptesicus Bats, Xueling Yi
Molecular Evolution And Biogeography Of The New World Eptesicus Bats, Xueling Yi
Theses and Dissertations
Molecular evolution refers to a broad field of studies ranging from microevolution (e.g., population genetics) to macroevolution (e.g., phylogeny), including the bridging field of phylogeography. In natural populations, molecular studies are also combined with biogeography that links biological diversity with geographic distributions to provide a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary processes. The field of molecular evolution has been largely advanced from early exploratory descriptions to statistical tests on biological hypotheses and integrative analyses using sophisticated modeling. However, studies of molecular evolution still face some unresolved questions and challenges, especially in non-model systems. For example, the application of new technology has largely …
Population Structure Of A Federally Endangered Plant (Astragalus Jaegerianus Munz, Fabaceae) With Limited Range Using Microsatellites, Sueann Neal
Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
Studies on population genetics examine the relationship and effects of population structure, migration, gene flow and demographic history, and are therefore important in the conservation of endangered species. Astragalus jaegerianus, a critically federally endangered species found in a geographically restricted range is investigated to determine population structure and genetic variation. Previous research on A. jaegerianus focused on DNA sequence data for cpDNA and nrDNA showed no variation. Further research on A. jaegerianus utilizing AFLP’s on the whole genome indicated substantial gene diversity and population structure consistent with geographically widespread species. AFLP research is a cost-effective process to identify levels …
A Seascape Genetics Approach To Studying Genetic Differentiation In The Bull Kelp Nereocystis Luetkeana, Lily G. Gierke
A Seascape Genetics Approach To Studying Genetic Differentiation In The Bull Kelp Nereocystis Luetkeana, Lily G. Gierke
Theses and Dissertations
The brown alga Nereocystis luetkeana is a foundation species found from Alaska to California. In the Salish Sea, N. luetkeana is declining, but little is known about its population structure. We explored N. luetkeana 1) allelic dissimilarity and richness using seven microsatellite markers, and 2) tested models of gene flow in the Salish Sea using a hydrodynamic transport model. Our results suggest that the N. luetkeana distribution is comprised of four genetic co-ancestry groups that are geographically coherent, apart from the separation of the Strait of Georgia/Puget Sound by the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Our model supported that environmental …