Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons^™

Profiling Populations Using Neutral Markers, Major Histocompatibility Complex Genes And Volatile Organic Compounds As Modeled In Equus Caballus Linnaeus, Ketaki Deshpande

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Assessing the genetics of wild animal populations aims to understand selective pressures, and factors whether it be inbreeding or adaptation, that affect the genome. Although numerous techniques are available for assessing population structure, a major obstacle in studying wild populations is obtaining samples from the animals without having to capture them, which can lead to undue distress and injury. Therefore, biologists often use non-invasive sampling methods (i.e., collection of feces, hair) to extract host DNA. In this study, new DNA extraction protocols were developed that improved the quality and quantity of DNA obtained from fecal matter. Fecal samples aged up …