Preferences of female American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) for natural and artificial male traits

We conducted two experiments to determine mating preferencesof female American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis). In the firstexperiment, females were allowed to choose among four naturallyvarying males. In the second, females chose among four maleswearing either orange, blue, yellow, or no color bands. In experiment1, females performed more courtship with males that had significantlybrighter bills and were brighter overall. In experiment 2, femalespreferred males wearing orange bands over unhanded males. Blue-bandedmales ranked second and yellow third, but neither was preferredsignificantly more often than the unbanded males. A female'spreference for a particular band color was weakly associatedwith her own bill and plumage measures; females with brighterthroat feathers and yellower bills preferred orange bands toblue bands. The results suggest that female preferences fororange and yellow may be functional and that females may alsohave aesthetic preferences.     

Microsatellite DNA markers for American shad (Alosa sapidissima) and cross‐species amplification within the family Clupeidae

Sixteen microsatellite loci were identified and characterized for American shad (Alosa sapidissima). The number of alleles per locus observed ranged from eight to 32 and averaged 15.4 alleles. Average observed heterozygosity was 81.1%. The markers were screened using four other species from the family Clupeidae. Amplification success among Alosa species was 79.2% with 81.6% polymorphism among those markers that amplified successfully. Amplification success was poor in Dorosoma (31.3%). Due to allelic diversity and estimates of heterozygosity, these markers can be useful in A. sapidissima for population level analyses, parentage assignment and broodstock management.     

Characterization and cross‐species amplification of microsatellite loci in a Cyprinodon species flock

In this study, two new microsatellite loci from a library of Cyprinodon beltrani from Laguna Chichancanab, Mexico, were characterized. Additionally, cross‐species amplification with primer pairs developed for other Cyprinodon species was performed. The 11 markers show moderate to high levels of polymorphism (two to 33 alleles) in six species of the Cyprinodon flock from Laguna Chichancanab and in their sister species Cyprinodon artifrons. These loci were characterized for population genetic study to detect gene flow between the different endemic pupfish species.     

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite loci for the short‐beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and cross‐amplification in other cetacean species

Seven tetranucleotide and three dinucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated from the short‐beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). Number of alleles and observed heterozygosity ranged from three to twelve (mean 8.4) and from 0.087 to 0.978 (mean 0.741), respectively. All loci were tested in four other odontocete species and showed polymorphisms in most locus–species combinations. This panel of nuclear markers will be useful for the investigation of population ecology and social interactions in common dolphins and other cetacean species.     

A set of polymorphic microsatellite loci for Vriesea gigantea and Alcantarea imperialis (Bromeliaceae) and cross‐amplification in other bromeliad species

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in two species of Bromeliaceae: Vriesea gigantea and Alcantarea imperialis. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from three to 16. The loci will be used for studies of the genetic structure of natural populations, reproductive biology, and evolutionary relationships among and within these genera. A cross‐amplification test in 22 taxa suggests that the markers will be useful for similar applications in numerous other bromeliad species.     

Ten polymorphic autosomal microsatellite loci for the Eider duck Somateria mollissima and their cross‐species applicability among waterfowl species (Anatidae)

We describe the isolation and characterization of the first microsatellite loci specifically developed for the Common Eider duck, Somateria mollissima. Our 10 loci show Mendelian inheritance and no linkage disequilibrium between any pair of loci. In the Eider duck, we observed between two and 16 alleles per locus, an expected heterozygosity between 0.31 and 0.97, and an observed heterozygosity between 0.14 and 1.00. Most primers also yield reproducible results in several other anatid species. These loci comprise a set of autosomal molecular markers for various applications, from moderately polymorphic loci suitable for population studies to highly polymorphic loci for pedigree analysis in waterfowl.     

Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers in the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and cross‐species amplification

Ten tetranucleotide, dinucleotide and compound microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the round goby, Neogobius melanostomus. Analysis of 64 gobies from one nonindigenous population in Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada, indicated that allele number varied from three to 12 per locus, while observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.33 and 0.86. Eight of these primers showed some amplification in other species in four genera. These newly developed microsatellite markers are a powerful tool that will provide insights into population structure and dispersal of the round goby in their novel environment.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Penstemon rostriflorus (Plantaginaceae) and cross‐species amplification

Eight novel microsatellite primer pairs are presented for Penstemon rostriflorus, representing the first microsatellite markers available for this genus. Loci were characterized for 20 individuals from two populations in the Great Basin, USA. All loci are polymorphic within P. rostriflorus (seven to 13 alleles per locus; observed heterozygosity between 0.40 and 0.95), and therefore useful for population genetic studies within the species. Cross‐species transferability was tested on 40 additional species of Penstemon, and results indicate that these primers pairs will likely be useful for population genetic studies on many Penstemon species.     

Characterization of microsatellite DNA markers for a mahseer species,Tor tambroides (Cyprinidae) and cross‐amplification in four congeners

This study reports the isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers in a mahseer species, Tor tambroides (Pisces, Cyprinidae). Of a total of 14 loci evaluated, 10 were polymorphic in T. tambroides samples, with an average of 2.86 alleles per locus. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed at one locus and there was no indication of linkage disequilibrium among loci. A high level of cross‐amplification among four congeners was achieved, with 12 loci successfully amplifying and 11 loci showing polymorphism in at least one other species. These markers will be a useful resource for population genetic studies and broodstock management of closely related mahseer species.     

Development of microsatellite markers for southern catfish (Silurus meriaionalis) and cross‐species amplification in northern sheatfish (Silurus soldatovi)

Forty microsatellite markers were developed from a (CA)_n enrichment library created from the DNA of southern catfish (Silurus meriaionalis). Also, the population structure of northern sheatfish (Silurus soldatovi) was examined by 24 microsatellite loci. They are polymorphic in at least one of the two geographically distant populations sampled from the Heilongjiang River and the Songhuajiang River in North China, respectively. Unbiased expected heterozygosity levels varied from 0.435 to 0.946 and number of alleles per locus varied from three to 20. Results indicated that these microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic and could be used as genetic markers.     

Isolation of microsatellite loci and cross‐species amplifications in three gobiid fish of the genus Pomatoschistus

Gobiids of the genus Pomatoschistus are increasingly being investigated as models for adaptation to coastal environments and for mating system studies. Among the dozen currently analysed species, microsatellite primers have been characterized only for Pomatoschistus minutus. This paper describes seven new polymorphic loci isolated from Pomatoschistus marmoratus and Pomatoschistus microps, two species that hybridize. Cross‐species amplification was tested for these new loci, together with seven already published P. minutus loci. Systematic amplification of samples of each of the three species provided a first indication of their polymorphism.     

Polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from the Atlanto‐Mediterranean colonial ascidian Pycnoclavella sp. (Ascidiacea,Tunicata)

Eight microsatellite loci were characterized in the colonial ascidian Pycnoclavella sp. from an enriched library of genomic DNA. Most microsatellites were large and compound. Allelic variation was assessed in 30 individuals collected from Cerro Gordo (SW Mediterranean Sea). The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to nine, observed heterozygosity from 0.05 to 0.29 and expected heterozygosity from 0.15 to 0.39. No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was detected, but five loci showed significant heterozygote deficiency that may be explained either by inbreeding, population substructure or the presence of null alleles.     

New microsatellite markers for the bush rat,Rattus fuscipes greyii: characterization and cross‐species amplification

We describe here 16 new microsatellite markers for the bush rat, Rattus fuscipes greyii, and characterize their cross‐species amplification within the Australian Rattus and at a greater level of divergence in Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus. Within R. f. greyii, all of the loci are highly polymorphic, with six to 24 alleles per locus across the species range and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.90 per locus within a sample of 24 rats from a large population on Kangaroo Island. Cross‐species amplification rates were approximately 87% within the Australian Rattus and approximately 50% within R. rattus and R. norvegicus. These loci are highly polymorphic with a high success rate of cross‐species amplification, making them potentially useful for a wide range of genetic studies.     

Isolation,characterization and cross‐species amplification of microsatellite loci in the cycad genus Dioon (Zamiaceae). Potential utilization in population genetics studies of Dioon edule

Dioon edule (Zamiaceae) is an endemic Mexican cycad. Nineteen microsatellite loci were isolated from three enriched genomic libraries of D. edule var. angustifolium, D. tomasellii, and D. caputoi. Seven of these loci showed polymorphisms in D. edule. Levels of polymorphism were assessed using 16 individuals from each of seven populations throughout the range of this species. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to five and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0 to 0.9821 and from 0.0088 to 0.6318, respectively. All loci show significant linkage disequilibrium. Three loci depart significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci from Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) and their cross‐utility in related species

We isolated one trinucleotide and seven tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola). We describe polymerase chain reaction conditions and primers for the successful amplification of these loci and report the results obtained from their use in 42 specimens from two populations in Europe. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 15, observed heterozygosity was comprised between 0.11 and 1.00 and expected heterozygosity ranged between 0.10 and 0.91. Cross‐specific amplification experiments highlighted the potential usefulness of these molecular markers for the study of three related scolopacid waders.     

New microsatellite loci for Carcharhinid sharks (Carcharhinus tilstoni and C. sorrah) and their cross‐amplification in other shark species

Twelve microsatellite DNA markers were isolated in the spot‐tail shark (Carcharhinus sorrah) and nine were isolated in Australian black‐tip shark (Carcharhinus tilstoni). These loci plus 18 others developed for sharks from the genera Negaprion, Ginglymostoma, Carcharodon and Isurus were tested for amplification success on four species of Carcharhinus (including C. sorrah and C. tilstoni) and four other species representing three diverse families. Cross‐amplification was most common within families. Five loci were subsequently tested for polymorphism on 50 C. sorrah and 60 C. tilstoni. The number of alleles per locus was two to 24 and the average heterozygosity was 0.54 (range 0.16–0.87) for C. sorrah and 0.64 (range 0.44–0.78) for C. tilstoni. These loci may be useful tools for genetic analyses of the Carcharhinidae.     

Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in Leporinus macrocephalus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) and cross‐species amplification

Leporinus macrocephalus is a species endemic to the Paraguay River basin and an important fishery resource, as well as a valuable species in aquaculture programs. A total of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized. A population survey was conducted involving 45 specimens whereby a large number of alleles (range 5–17 among loci), a highly observed (0.1667–0.6129) and an expected (0.6967–0.9448) heterozygosity was detected, indicating its usefulness in population genetics studies. Cross‐species amplification was successful in eight Characiformes species.     

Multiplex genotyping of novel microsatellites from silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) and cross‐amplification in other pomfret species

Eleven polymorphic microsatellites were isolated from an important foodfish species, silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus). The loci showed different variation patterns in 24 unrelated P. argenteus individuals, with a mean number of alleles of 11.5 and a mean expected heterozygosity of 0.85. Eight of the 11 loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. All and six of the 11 markers amplified specific and polymorphic products in Chinese pomfret (Pampus sinesis) and dark pomfret (Pamus cinereus), respectively. These markers should be useful for population genetic analysis and biodiversity studies of P. argenteus and other pomfret species.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from an EST library of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and cross‐species amplification

In the present study, we report 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci developed from a cDNA library from the turbot, Scophthalmus maximus. Observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.20 to 1.00 and from 0.18 to 0.78, respectively. No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found, but two loci significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction. Cross‐species amplifications of these microsatellites in five additional fish species revealed between five and 11 positive amplifications and between zero and four polymorphic loci per species.     

Eight new microsatellite loci for the critically endangered fire‐bellied toad Bombina bombina and their cross‐species applicability among anurans

We describe eight new microsatellite loci for the critically endangered fire‐bellied toad, Bombina bombina. Seven of them are polymorphic with two to seven alleles per locus, an expected heterozygosity between 0.41 and 0.8, and an observed heterozygosity between 0.27 and 0.7. The yield of new loci was relatively low, presumably due to mildly repetitive sequence motifs in microsatellite flanking regions. As typical for anurans, cross‐species amplification was limited (here, to congeners Bombina orientalis and Bombina variegata). Combining these new loci with those already available provides a reasonable number of loci for population studies and pedigree analysis in Bombina.