Identification of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the zebra finch,Taeniopygia guttata (Passeridae,Aves)

Polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified in order to determine paternity in a captive population of the zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata. Primer sets from 93 published passerine microsatellite sequences were tested for cross‐species amplification. Thirteen loci were found to be polymorphic, of which, eight displayed null alleles and one locus (Ase50) was found to be Z‐chromosome linked.     

Identification of 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci in European crow (Corvus corone) from existing passerine loci

The European crow (Corvus corone) occurs in two subspecies (or species) with distinct plumage coloration: the black carrion crow (C. c. corone) and the grey and black hooded crow (C. c. cornix). We tested 42 passerine microsatellite loci for amplification in the European crow and identified 20 loci that were both polymorphic and easy to score. In 50 individuals sampled in the Danish part of the species’ pan‐European hybrid zone, the number of alleles ranged between two and 21. One locus deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and had a high estimated null allele frequency. These 20 loci were highly successful in amplifying polymorphic products also in other crow populations and in another Corvidae species, the rook (Corvus frugilegus).     

Characterization of 36 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) including two sex‐linked loci and their amplification in four other Charadrius species

We isolated 45 new Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) microsatellite loci. These were tested for polymorphism in 42 Kentish plovers breeding in the Çukurova Delta, Turkey. Thirty‐six of the 45 loci were polymorphic with observed heterozygosity varying between 0.22 and 0.93. Genotypes of individuals of known sex indicated that two loci were sex‐linked (Calex‐26 is located on the Z chromosome and Calex‐31 on the W chromosome). Additionally, we tested all loci for amplification in four other species of Charadridae (Kittlitz's plover, Madagascar plover, three‐banded plover and white‐fronted plover). On average 34 loci amplified per species (range 29–36).     

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.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the field vole,Microtus agrestis,and their cross‐utility in the common vole,Microtus arvalis

We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for the field vole, Microtus agrestis. The number of alleles ranged from five to 15 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.40 to 1.00. We also tested the microsatellite loci for amplification and polymorphism in the congeneric species Microtus arvalis. Five of the nine loci were successfully analysed in this species. The microsatellite markers will be employed in studies of reproductive success and fine‐scale spatial genetic structure.     

Isolation of 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the North American red squirrel,Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Sciuridae,Rodentia), and their cross‐utility in other species

We isolated 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci to be used for pedigree analysis in a wild population of North American red squirrels, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus. Allelic diversity and observed heterozygosity ranged from six to 13 and 0.39 to 0.89, respectively, in a sample of 93 individuals. Up to 13 sets of primers also amplify in other rodent species.     

Ten novel dinucleotide microsatellite loci cloned from the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) are polymorphic in other pinniped species

We isolated and characterized 10 novel dinucleotide microsatellite loci from the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) and tested their amplification utility in four further otariid species (Zalophus californianus californianus, Arctocephalus gazella, Arctocephalus australis and Eumetopias jubatus) and three phocid species (Hydrurga leptonyx, Halichoerus grypus and Phoca vitulina). All of the loci amplified polymorphic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products in at least three species other than the Galápagos sea lion. These markers will be useful for studies of pinniped mating systems, genetic structure and genetic diversity.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellites in the stemless thistle (Cirsium acaule) and their utility in other Cirsium species

The genus Cirsium includes species with both widespread and restricted geographical distributions, several of which are serious weeds. Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the stemless thistle Cirsium acaule. Eight were polymorphic in C. acaule, six in C. arvense and seven in C. heterophyllum. One locus monomorphic in C. acaule showed polymorphism in C. heterophyllum. The mean number of alleles per locus was 4.1 in C. acaule, 6.2 in C. arvense and 2.9 in C. heterophyllum. These nine loci were also amplified in C. eriophorum and C. vulgare, suggesting that these markers may be of use throughout the genus.     

Identification of microsatellite loci from Epimedium koreanum and cross‐species amplification in four species of Epimedium (Berberidaceae)

Nineteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from a trinucleotide enriched partial genomic library of Epimedium koreanum. The average allele number of these microsatellites was 5.9 per locus, ranging from two to 11. The observed heterozygosity (H_O) and expected heterozygosity (H_E) at the population level were 0.00–0.90 and 0.12–0.90, respectively. In addition, the results of cross‐species amplification of this set of microsatellite markers in four closely related Epimedium species, E. brevicornum, E. sagittatum, E. pubescens and E. wushanense, revealed that these microsatellite markers were useful for population genetic structure evaluation and genotype analysis of major Epimedium species that have been used as traditional Chinese medicines.     

Isolation and identification of 21 microsatellite loci in the Copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi; Catostomidae) and their variability in other catostomids

Catostomidae represent an important family of freshwater fishes mainly distributed in North America, but also found in Eurasia. This paper describes the development of microsatellite DNA markers for a highly threatened member of this family, the Copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi), as well as cross‐catostomids amplifications. 168 tetra‐nucleotide loci were screened to develop 21 polymorphic markers, with an average number of 8.5 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.52 and 1.00. Successful amplification was obtained for 12 other members of the family at between seven to 19 loci, with between two to 18 loci being polymorphic per species.     

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci characterized in the house sparrow Passer domesticus (Passeridae,Aves)

We characterized 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the house sparrow Passer domesticus. Four loci were isolated from house sparrow genomic libraries and 10 loci were identified by testing 100 loci that had been originally isolated in other passerine species. Loci were characterized in 37–54 unrelated sparrows from British and Norwegian populations. Each locus displayed between two and 31 alleles, with the observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.30 and 0.91.     

Isolation and characterization of macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) microsatellite loci and their utility in other penguin species (Spheniscidae, AVES)

We report the characterization of 25 microsatellite loci isolated from the macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus). Thirteen loci were arranged into four multiplex sets for future genetic studies of macaroni penguin populations. All 25 loci were tested separately in each of four other penguin species [Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica), gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) and king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)]. Between eight and 12 loci were polymorphic per species. These loci are expected to be useful for studies of population genetic structure in a range of penguin species.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) and interspecific amplification in five other Leuciscinae species

The longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) appears as a relevant model to address environmental and ecological issues in an evolutionary perspective. Eleven microsatellite markers were characterized for this species. Eight of these loci were highly polymorphic for populations of this species. Between four to 10 loci were also successfully amplified in five closely related species. These markers are believed to be valuable tools for genetic analysis of populations of longnose dace and other Leuciscinae species.     

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Neotropical fish Prochilodus argenteus (Characiformes,Prochilodontidae)

Prochilodus species inhabit the main river systems of South America and usually present commercial value to inland fishing. In the present study, we describe the isolation and characterization of 13 novel microsatellite loci in Prochilodus argenteus. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus varied from four to 22 and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.333 to 0.893. Additionally, cross‐species amplification was successful in two other Prochilodus species. These loci will be useful for studies of the population genetic structure in this fish group.     

Characterization of Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula eques) microsatellite loci and their cross-utility in other parrots (Psittacidae, Aves)

We characterized 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula eques). Loci were isolated from a Mauritius parakeet genomic library that had been enriched separately for eight different repeat motifs. Loci were characterized in up to 43 putatively unrelated Mauritius parakeets from a single population inhabiting the Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius. Each locus displayed between three and nine alleles, with the observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.39 and 0.96. All loci were tested in 10 other parrot species. Despite testing few individuals, between seven and 21 loci were polymorphic in each of seven species tested.     

Microsatellite loci for the field cricket,Gryllus bimaculatus and their cross‐utility in other species of Orthoptera

We have isolated 16 microsatellite loci in the field cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. Nine loci were found to be polymorphic in G. bimaculatus and the number of alleles varied from seven to 14. All 16 loci were tested for amplification in nine other species. In the five species tested belonging to the same subfamily (Gryllinae), a minimum of nine loci amplified. These loci will be used to determine paternity as part of a study to investigate the genetic benefits of polyandry.     

Microsatellite loci for Dawson's burrowing bee (Amegilla dawsoni) and their cross‐utility in other Amegilla species

Microsatellite loci were isolated from Dawson's burrowing bee, Amegilla dawsoni, a species endemic to Western Australia. Twelve polymorphic loci were found with an observed number of alleles ranging from two to 24 and observed heterozygosities between 0.17 and 0.85. These 12 loci were tested for amplification in three additional species of Amegilla. The loci will be used for sex determination and the examination of mating frequency in this species.     

Microsatellite loci for the greater horseshoe bat,Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Rhinolophidae,Chiroptera) and their cross‐utility in 17 other bat species

We have isolated 14 polymorphic greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum microsatellite loci. The number of alleles varied from two to 12 in 58 individuals. These loci will be used to assign paternity in order to characterize patterns of breeding and reproductive success in a wild R. ferrumequinum population. Loci were also tested in 17 other bat species. Twelve loci cross‐amplified in other species and three loci were polymorphic in all eight Rhinolophus species tested.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus

We describe the isolation and characterization of 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus. Microsatellite markers from three other rodent species were cross-amplified in muskrat and one of them was polymorphic. We observed moderate to high levels of genetic variability in these 13 polymorphic loci (five to 22 alleles per locus) with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.96. These markers will be useful for further studies on population genetic structure in muskrat and potentially in other rodent species.     

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.