Eight microsatellite markers for the San Esteban chuckwalla,Sauromalus varius

We characterize eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the San Esteban chuckwalla, Sauromalus varius, which are being used as markers in a study of the genetic results from a decade of captive breeding in this endangered species. Observed heterozygosity estimates for S. varius ranged from 0.00 to 0.30, whereas expected heterozygosity estimates ranged from 0.06 to 0.58.     

Isolation and characterization of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the clam shrimp Eulimnadia texana (Crustacea: Spinicaudata)

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the clam shrimp Eulimnadia texana. In analyses of 20–50 individuals from two populations the number of alleles ranged from two to seven with observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.00 and 0.37. The low values for heterozygosity were not unexpected for a group characterized by its unusual androdioecious mating system, in which males compete with self‐compatible hermaphrodites for offspring production. These microsatellites are likely to be useful for further evolutionary investigations of this rare mating system in these crustaceans.     

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.     

Development and optimization of microsatellite DNA primers for boreal owls (Aegolius funereus)

We developed 22 microsatellite loci for boreal owls (Aegolius funereus). We genotyped 275 unrelated boreal owls (Aegolius f. richardsoni) and 36 unrelated Tengmalm's owls (Aegolius f. funereus) using seven loci that were polymorphic and did not have detectable null alleles. Among North American and Scandinavian boreal owls, respectively, allelic diversity ranged from three to 11 alleles and from one to 11 alleles, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.31 to 0.80 and from 0.00 to 0.81, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.28 to 0.81 and from 0.00 to 0.81. These markers appeared to amplify DNA in six other Strigidae species.     

Development of microsatellites DNA markers in the cultivated seaweed,Gracilaria chilensis (Gracilariales,Rhodophyta)

The red algae Gracilaria chilensis is extensively cultivated for agar production. In spite of its commercial significance as the first algal resource in Chile, no information is available on the pattern of genetic diversity. In this paper, we isolated six polymorphic microsatellite markers from a G. chilensis‐enriched DNA library. Genetic diversity was assessed in two natural populations revealing relatively low levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.00 to 0.51. The six loci developed here are good candidates to assess the level of genetic resources within this species, which probably suffered from over‐exploitation in several localities along the Chilean coast.     

Isolation and characterization of six microsatellite loci in the drywood termite Cryptotermes secundus (Kalotermitidae)

The Kalotermitidae is a family of lower termites and its species are ideal to study the evolution and maintenance of eusociality within the Isoptera. Co‐dominant genetic markers are an essential tool to elucidate the putatively complex colony and population structure. Six polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified in the drywood termite Cryptotermes secundus (Kalotermitidae). To test the variability of the markers, 18 colonies (n = 18) from Darwin (Australia) were assayed. We found two to eight alleles per locus with the level of observed heterozygosity at each locus ranging from 0.00 to 0.53. The significantly positive F_IT value suggests that some kind of inbreeding does occur in this population.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the Australian endemic mountain pygmy‐possum,Burramys parvus Broom

The endemic mountain pygmy‐possum, Burramys parvus, is an endangered Australian marsupial restricted to mainland alpine regions. Population structure, breeding system and gene flow are crucial for the development of effective conservation strategies, but have not been investigated in B. parvus. Here we have isolated eight polymorphic microsatellite markers from B. parvus to investigate these parameters. We found two to 12 alleles with observed heterozygosity values ranging from 0.321 to 0.878 for these loci in initial estimates from a single population.     

Do plant populations on distinct inselbergs talk to each other? A case study of genetic connectivity of a bromeliad species in an Ocbil landscape

Here, we explore the historical and contemporaneous patterns of connectivity among Encholirium horridum populations located on granitic inselbergs in an Ocbil landscape within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, using both nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers. Beyond to assess the E. horridum population genetic structure, we built species distribution models across four periods (current conditions, mid‐Holocene, Last Glacial Maximum [LGM], and Last Interglacial) and inferred putative dispersal corridors using a least‐cost path analysis to elucidate biogeographic patterns. Overall, high and significant genetic divergence was estimated among populations for both nuclear and plastid DNA (Φ_ST(n) = 0.463 and Φ_ST(plastid) = 0.961, respectively, p < .001). For nuclear genome, almost total absence of genetic admixture among populations and very low migration rates were evident, corroborating with the very low estimates of immigration and emigration rates observed among E. horridum populations. Based on the cpDNA results, putative dispersal routes in Sugar Loaf Land across cycles of climatic fluctuations in the Quaternary period revealed that the populations’ connectivity changed little during those events. Genetic analyses highlighted the low genetic connectivity and long‐term persistence of populations, and the founder effect and genetic drift seemed to have been very important processes that shaped the current diversity and genetic structure observed in both genomes. The genetic singularity of each population clearly shows the need for in situ conservation of all of them.     

The ecological value of Eryngium horridum in maintaining biodiversity in subtropical grasslands

The role of facilitation in the structuring of plant communities has been often demonstrated in environments under high abiotic stress, especially in semi‐arid and arid ecosystems and high elevations. Few studies, however, analysed facilitation in systems that are highly productive and rich in species, which are thought to be theoretically unlikely to demonstrate strong effects of facilitation. Here, we investigate the importance of Eryngium horridum, a rosette species, on the maintenance of plant diversity in subtropical grasslands in southern Brazil. We evaluated facilitation in areas under two different types of management: abandonment and grazing. Plots were established in areas with and without individuals of E. horridum and all species were identified and had their cover estimated. The Relative Neighbour Effect index was calculated in order to verify the presence of competition or facilitation. Our results indicated facilitation in both abandoned and in grazed grasslands, but apparently through different mechanisms. In the first case, the plant's architecture opens the canopy and allows more light to reach small forbs in the grass matrix. In the second case, E. horridum appears to protect more palatable species from herbivores. Otherwise considered an obnoxious species, E. horridum plays an important ecological role in subtropical grasslands in southern Brazil by facilitating other species and consequently, increasing local richness. Areas with this rosette species are important sources of diaspores, which are able to colonize new open sites and thus, maintain biodiversity.     

Five polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Great Plains toad,Bufo cognatus

We characterize five polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Great Plains toad, Bufo cognatus, which are being used as markers in a study of the genetics and structure of toad populations inhabiting playa lakes on the Llano Estacado plateau of Texas. Observed heterozygosity (H_O) estimates for the toads ranged from 0.56 to 0.90, and expected heterozygosity (H_E) estimates ranged from 0.85 to 0.95.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the truffle‐like ectomycorrhizal fungi Rhizopogon occidentalis and Rhizopogon vulgaris

We have isolated and characterized five microsatellite loci from Rhizopogon occidentalis and six loci from Rhizopogon vulgaris (Boletales, Basidiomycota). Microsatellite variation was assessed using 32 R. occidentalis and 48 R. vulgaris individuals from four populations in California. The number of alleles across populations ranged from two to 10 for R. occidentalis and three to eight for R. vulgaris. Expected heterozygosity values within populations ranged from 0.00 to 0.85 for R. occidentalis and 0.00 to 0.75 for R. vulgaris. These are the first microsatellite loci isolated for R. occidentalis and R. vulgaris and will be useful in the examination of their population genetic structure.     

Eryngium (Apiaceae) phytotelmata and their macro-invertebrate communities, including a review and bibliography

The objective of this study was to determine how phytotelm communities differ in four Eryngium sp. of different morphologies. Macro-invertebrate communities from 320 individual plants of Eryngium horridum, E. stenophyllum, E. serra, and E. elegans were sampled in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The morphology and structure of each Eryngium specimen, and water volume and debris in their phytotelmata, were measured. Morphology indicated that E. elegans and E. serra are closely related and differ from E. horridum and E. stenophyllum. The latter two species are markedly different from E. stenophyllum, the biggest of the four. The communities differed among these Eryngium species, but a large number of generalist macro-invertebrates use all four phytotelmata. Canonical correlation analysis showed that diptera are inhabitants in E. horridum, and micro-crustaceans in E. serra and E. elgans. By contrast, no specific taxa were grouped in E. stenophyllum. Results of inter-specific association (C ₈ coefficient) show that species of Culicidae and Chironomidae are highly positive associations in E. horridum, by contrast with the negative association observed in E. stenophyllum. Culex renatoi (Culicidae) and Polypedilum sp. (Chironomidae) were highly likely to co-occur in the same plant of E. serra, but not with Metriocnemus eryngiotelmatus (Chironomidae). Larsia sp. (Chironomidae) was the species better associated with the other macro-invertebrates in E. elegans. The food web was constructed from Eryngium phytotelmata. This study includes an updated list of known aquatic and semi-aquatic invertebrates reported from Eryngium phytotelmata, and their bibliography.     

Development and characterization of 14 microsatellite loci in the Neotropical fish Geophagus brasiliensis (Perciformes,Cichlidae)

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the Neotropical cichlid Geophagus brasiliensis and tested on 30 individuals belonging to a single population. Among the 14 loci described, four showed potential presence of null alleles, inferred from the excess of homozygous genotypes, and three of these loci showed significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Fifty‐nine different alleles were detected (ranging from two to eight alleles per locus), with estimates of observed and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0·167 to 0·700 and from 0·269 to 0·825. Cross‐amplification of primers was successful in five other cichlid species.     

Nine new microsatellite loci for the roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris) with four showing cross-amplification in the shortbeard grenadier (C. brevibarbis)

We isolated nine new microsatellites for the deep-sea fish Coryphaenoides rupestris. These loci are highly polymorphic, with allele number ranging from 14 to 42 and heterozygosity ranging from 0.647 to 0.965. Four of these loci also amplified in C. brevibarbis.     

Tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the black bear (Ursus americanus)

We describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 21 tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci in black bears (Ursus americanus). We tested primers using individuals from two populations, one each in Georgia and Florida. Among individuals from Georgia (n = 29), primer pairs yielded an average of 2.9 alleles (range, one to four) and an average observed heterozygosity (H_O) of 0.50 (range, 0.00 to 0.79). Among individuals from Florida (n = 19), primer pairs yielded an average of 5.7 alleles (range, one to 14) and an H_O of 0.55 (range, 0.00 to 1.00). A comparison of previously developed markers with individuals from Georgia suggests that bear populations in Georgia and Florida have reduced allelic diversity relative to other populations.     

Inbreeding coefficient and heterozygosity–fitness correlations in unhatched and hatched song sparrow nestmates

Heterozygosity–fitness correlations use molecular measures of heterozygosity as proxy estimates of individual inbreeding coefficients (f) to examine relationships between inbreeding and fitness traits. Heterozygosity–fitness correlations partly depend on the assumption that individual heterozygosity and f are strongly and negatively correlated. Although theory predicts that this relationship will be strongest when mean f and variance in f are high, few studies of heterozygosity–fitness correlations include estimates of f based on pedigrees, which allow for more thorough examinations of the relationship between f, heterozygosity and fitness in nature. We examined relationships between pedigree‐based estimates of f, multilocus heterozygosity (MLH) and the probability of survival to hatch in song sparrow nestmates. f and MLH were weakly, but significantly negatively correlated. Inbreeding coefficient predicted the probability of survival to hatch. In contrast, MLH did not predict the probability of survival to hatch nor did it account for residual variation in survival to hatch after statistically controlling for the effects of f. These results are consistent with the expectation that heterozygosity–f correlations will be weak when mean and variance in f are low. Our results also provide empirical support for recent simulation studies, which show that variation in MLH among siblings with equal f can be large and may obscure MLH–fitness relationships.     

Polymorphic microsatellites in the African freshwater snail,Bulinus forskalii (Gastropoda,Pulmonata)

Eleven microsatellites were isolated in the freshwater snail Bulinus forskalii, intermediate host for the medically important trematode Schistosoma intercalatum. Characterization in 60 snails from three populations of B. forskalii from Cameroon revealed 4 to 18 alleles per locus. Low observed heterozygosity but higher expected heterozygosity, high F_IS estimates, significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and genotypic linkage disequilibria all indicate that B. forskalii is a preferential selfer. High F_ST estimates suggest that effective dispersal is limited and genetic drift is an important determinant of genetic structure. The potential utility of the microsatellite primers in other closely related Bulinus species was explored.     

Identification and characterization of 10 microsatellite primers for the calanoid freshwater copepods Eudiaptomus gracilis and E. graciloides using enriched genomic libraries

The calanoid copepods Eudiaptomus gracilis and Eudiaptomus graciloides are widespread among European lakes. We constructed enriched genomic libraries for both species in order to isolate and characterise microsatellite markers. The obtained 7 polymorphic microsatellite‐loci for E. gracilis and 3 for E. graciloides are the first for any freshwater copepod. They display an expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.60 to 0.96 and 0.63 to 0.94 and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.53 to 0.87 and 0.57 to 0.87, respectively. We were not able to cross‐amplify the isolated loci across species, indicating long divergence among both congeneric species despite morphological similarity.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus

Lutjanus argentimaculatus, also called mangrove red snapper, is a commercially important fish in East Asia. A proper understanding of population structure is primarily linked with the management of genetic resources in exploiting marine fisheries. Herein, seven microsatellite loci, which showed high polymorphism (observed heterozygosity per locus ranging from 0.3571 to 0.7857 and expected heterozygosity per locus ranging from 0.6236 to 0.8821), were isolated and characterized from L. argentimaculatus. Cross‐species amplifications also indicate that primers designed for these loci may be useful for further studies about other closely phylogenetic species of the family Lutjanidae.     

Identification and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in Machilus pseudokobu (Lauraceae), an endemic species of the Bonin Islands

Eight microsatellite loci were identified and characterized for the endangered Machilus pseudokobu (Lauraceae), an endemic tree species of the Bonin Islands. The observed number of alleles at each locus ranged from 1 to 20 with an average of 6.2, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.83 with an average of 0.47. All eight loci were screened in cross-amplification tests for two other endemic Machilus species that also inhabit the Bonin Islands. All loci were successfully amplified in these species.