Characterization of six microsatellite DNA loci for Sorex arizonae

Sorex arizonae is a rare species that occupies a narrow range of habitat types in several mountain ranges of New Mexico, Arizona and Northern Mexico. Here we identify and characterize six microsatellite loci for this species. We screened 63 individuals from four different localities from New Mexico and Arizona to analyse genetic variability. Alleles ranged from three to 16. Heterozygosity ranged from 40% to 78%. Most polymorphic loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium with the exception of one locus. Primers appear to have reasonable cross‐species applicability as five loci amplified in another shrew species (Sorex monticolus).     

Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for the deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 1758), from the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico

A suite of 13 polymorphic tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated from the ahermatypic deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa. Among 51 individuals collected from three disjunct oceanic regions, allelic diversity ranged from six to 38 alleles and averaged 9.1 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 9.1 to 96.8% and averaged 62.3% in the Gulf of Mexico population. For some loci, amplification success varied among collections, suggesting regional variation in priming site sequences. Four loci showed departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in certain collections which may reflect nonrandom mating.     

Characterization of 15 tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus)

We characterized 15 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the ringtail, Bassariscus astutus. We tested these loci in 21 individuals captured in Arizona and Texas and found six to 19 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.381 to 1.000 and from 0.381 to 0.941, respectively. All loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and none were in linkage disequilibrium. These markers may be used to investigate population genetics and mating patterns in this species.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the ponerine ant Ectatomma tuberculatum

We report the development of 11 microsatellite markers by an enrichment protocol in the ponerine ant Ectatomma tuberculatum. Polymorphism was explored in two colonies collected from Mexico and two colonies from Brazil. From the 11 loci which amplified, seven loci showed intracolonial polymorphism in Mexican colonies and only six loci were variable in populations from Brazil. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.18 to 0.84. The other five loci exhibited different alleles between Mexico and Brazil but geographical variability was not investigated further. Cross‐amplification was tested in another species of the same Tribe (Gnamptogenys striatula) and one locus was revealed to be polymorphic.     

Development of nine new microsatellite loci for the American beaver, Castor canadensis (Rodentia: Castoridae), and cross-species amplification in the European beaver, Castor fiber

We developed nine new nuclear dinucleotide microsatellite loci for Castor canadensis. All loci were polymorphic, except for one. The number of alleles ranged from two to four and from five to 12 in populations from Arizona and Wisconsin, respectively. Average heterozygosity ranged from 0.13 to 0.86 per locus. Since cross-species amplification in Castor fiber was successful only in four loci, we tested also nine recently published C. canadensis loci in the Eurasian species. Eight of the published loci amplified; however, three were monomorphic. The number of alleles was lower in C. fiber than in C. canadensis at all loci tested.     

Ten new microsatellite markers for the buttonwood mangrove (Conocarpus erectus L., Combretaceae)

We present 10 microsatellite markers for the buttonwood mangrove, Conocarpus erectus, a wide-range mangrove associate species. Polymorphism was assessed among individuals from six different populations along the Pacific Coast of Mexico and Costa Rica, as well as in two individuals from the Yucatan Peninsula in the Atlantic. The number of alleles detected in the Pacific ranged from two to five. All loci amplified in the Yucatan samples and seven loci revealed a unique Atlantic allele. These markers will be useful for studies in the conservation of the species and to study the basic biology of C. erectus.     

Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for kelp bass,Paralabax clathratus,amplified in three multiplex polymerase chain reaction sets

Kelp bass, Paralabrax clathratus, is an important sport fishery of California, USA and Baja, Mexico. Here we describe eight microsatellite loci developed for this species. Two loci were derived from known primers for other species in the family, Serranidae and six were developed anew using a clone enrichment protocol. Loci were arranged into three multiplex PCR (polymerase chain reaction) sets for fast throughput; 564 individuals from nine populations across the species’ range were genotyped. Polymorphism ranged from four to 47 alleles and all populations at all loci displayed Hardy–Weinberg and linkage equilibrium.     

Isolation, characterization and cross-amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Laelia speciosa (Orchidaceae)

Laelia speciosa is an endangered epiphytic orchid endemic to central Mexico. Here, we report on the development of 14 perfect and imperfect microsatellite repeat loci for this species. Numbers of alleles ranged from two to 16 and levels of observed heterozygosities among the 14 loci ranged from 0.28 to 1.00 across two widely divergent populations. All loci were also tested for cross-amplification in four other Laelia species and other selected genera of the subtribe Laeliinae.     

Characterization of microsatellite markers for the mangrove tree Avicennia germinans L. (Avicenniaceae)

We describe 10 primers for amplification of microsatellite loci for the mangrove, Avicennia germinans. Eight loci were isolated from a DNA sample from the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico and two loci were isolated from a DNA sample from the Atlantic coast of Bermuda. Polymorphism was investigated in a population from the Mexican Pacific coast (n = 15) and in four samples scattered throughout the range of the species. Total number of alleles for the species ranged from two to 10. Observed heterozygosity in the Mexican Pacific coast population ranged from 0.27 to 0.60, with two loci having fixed alleles.     

Isolation and characterization of 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers from striped marlin, Tetrapturus audax

We present the isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellite loci for striped marlin, Tetrapturus audax. Thirty individuals from each of four locations revealed that all loci were polymorphic with two to 31 alleles per locus. Observed levels of heterozygosity ranged from 0.3000 to 0.9667. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected in two loci, TA105 in Hawaii and New Zealand and TA155 in Hawaii, and null alleles may be present in loci TA105 and TA155 in those locations, and in locus TA193 in Mexico. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected in any pairwise-locus comparison.     

GENETICS OF INCIPIENT SPECIATION IN DROSOPHILA MOJAVENSIS. III. LIFE‐HISTORY DIVERGENCE IN ALLOPATRY AND REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION

We carried out a three‐tiered genetic analysis of egg‐to‐adult development time and viability in ancestral and derived populations of cactophilic Drosophila mojavensis to test the hypothesis that evolution of these life‐history characters has shaped premating reproductive isolation in this species. First, a common garden experiment with 11 populations from Baja California and mainland Mexico and Arizona reared on two host species revealed significant host plant X region and population interactions for viability and development time, evidence for host plant adaptation. Second, replicated line crosses with flies reared on both hosts revealed autosomal, X chromosome, cytoplasmic, and autosome X cactus influences on development time. Viability differences were influenced by host plants, autosomal dominance, and X chromosomal effects. Many of the F₁, F₂, and backcross generations showed evidence of heterosis for viability. Third, a QTL analysis of male courtship song and epicuticular hydrocarbon variation based on 1688 Baja × mainland F₂ males also revealed eight QTL influencing development time differences. Mainland alleles at six of these loci were associated with longer development times, consistent with population‐level differences. Eight G × E interactions were also detected caused by longer development times of mainland alleles expressed on a mainland host with smaller differences among Baja genotypes reared on the Baja host plant. Four QTL influenced both development time and epicuticular hydrocarbon differences associated with courtship success, and there was a significant QTL‐based correlation between development time and cuticular hydrocarbon variation. Thus, the regional shifts in life histories that evolved once D. mojavensis invaded mainland Mexico from Baja California by shifting host plants were genetically correlated with variation in cuticular hydrocarbon‐based mate preferences.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in Kearney's bluestar (Amsonia kearneyana) and cross‐amplification in other Amsonia species

Kearney's bluestar (Amsonia kearneyana) is a highly endangered herbaceous perennial in the family Apocynaceae. The species is found only in the Baboquivari Mountains of southern Arizona. We report the isolation and development of 12 microsatellite loci for Kearney's bluestar. Numbers of alleles ranged from two to four and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.20 to 0.80 in the nine loci found to be polymorphic in the test population. All loci were also tested for cross‐amplification in five other Amsonia species representing two subgenera from the southwestern United States. Some loci that were not polymorphic in the Kearney's bluestar were polymorphic in other species.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci developed for song wrens Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus

We developed six microsatellite loci for song wrens (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus). Polymorphism ranged from four to 12 alleles with heterozygosities ranging from 21 to 90%. Three of the six loci deviated significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium suggesting the presence of one or more null alleles. Cross‐species amplification indicated that these loci will have limited utility in other wren species.     

Fifteen microsatellite loci characterized in the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos (Accipitridae,Aves)

Polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified in order to study golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) population fragmentation. Twenty‐six published Aquila and eight published Haliaeetus microsatellite loci were tested for polymorphism in A. chrysaetos. Fifteen loci were polymorphic with between two and six alleles detected per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.15 to 0.77 among 177 unrelated individuals from Scotland. There was no evidence for null alleles. Two pairs of loci (Hal‐10 & Aa15 and Hal‐10 & Aa26) displayed linkage disequilibrium.     

Variation in DNA microsatellites of the ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci were used to assess genetic variation in the ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) from North America. Analysis of genotypic variation suggests restricted gene flow between pygmy-owl populations in Arizona-Sonora and Sinaloa, and Texas and the remaining states in Mexico. The Arizona-Sonora population showed signs of a recent genetic bottleneck, an observation supported by low population estimates for Arizona (13–117 individuals). Heterozygosity in Arizona, however, was equal to levels recorded throughout Mexico and Texas. Congruent patterns revealed by nuclear (microsatellites) and mitochondrial DNA that indicate Arizona-Sonora and Texas populations are distinct from adjacent populations in Mexico, thus emphasizing need for the design and implementation of separate management plans for recovery and conservation efforts. Revealing evidence of distinct groups within the pygmy-owl populations in North America, results from this study may be used to make management decisions for the recovery and conservation of this species.     

New polymorphic microsatellite loci for population studies in the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (L.)

Eleven microsatellite loci were developed in the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, and tested in samples from two geographically distant populations (Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea). Number of alleles ranged from eight to 28 and observed heterozygosity from 0.440 to 0.920. There was no evidence of linkage disequilibrium, although two loci are indeed linked. All loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, except for one locus in the Atlantic and two loci in the Mediterranean sample. These three loci plus two more showed evidence for null alleles.     

Evolutionary dynamics of a spatially structured host-parasite association: Drosophila innubila and male-killing Wolbachia

The mode and tempo of host-parasite evolution depend on population structure and history and the strength of selection that the species exert on each other. Here we genetically and epidemiologically characterize populations of the mycophagous fly Drosophila innubila and its male-killing Wolbachia endosymbiont, with the aim of integrating the local through global nature of this association. Drosophila innubila inhabit the forested "sky island" regions of the of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where its distribution is highly fragmented. We examine geographically isolated sky island populations of D. innubila, surveying the frequency and expression of Wolbachia infection as well as the distribution of genetic variation within and among populations of the host and parasite. In all populations, Wolbachia infection is associated with virtually complete male-killing, thus providing no evidence for the evolution of population-specific interaction phenotypes or local resistance. Although Wolbachia infection occurs in each of the main populations, there is variation among populations in the prevalence of infection and the resulting population-level sex ratio of D. innubila. Among these populations, the nuclear genes of D. innubila show moderate, though significant, differentiation. In contrast, the host mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which shares transmission with Wolbachia, exhibits substantially greater geographic differentiation, even after accounting for differences in transmission between nuclear and mitochondrial genes. We suggest that this pattern is caused by local Wolbachia--but not D. innubila--fluctuations in prevalence that increase the severity of drift experienced only by the mtDNA. Overall, our data suggest that the association between D. innubila and male-killing Wolbachia is ecologically dynamic within local populations, but evolutionarily coherent across the species as a whole.     

Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Caribbean seagrass Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König

We isolated 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the western Atlantic tropical seagrass, Thalassia testudinum, using two different enrichment procedures. Polymorphism was screened among samples from Mexico and Panama. Allelic diversity varied between three and 17 alleles per locus, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.271 to 0.859.     

Polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the endangered land snail,Trichia caelata (Gastropoda,Stylommatophora)

Eight novel polymorphic microsatellite loci are presented for the endangered land snail Trichia caelata, a rare species endemic to the Northwestern Jura mountains, Switzerland. The number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 17. At seven loci, the expected heterozygosity differed significantly from observed heterozygosity. No evidence for linkage disequilibrium was detected between locus pairs. We are currently using these markers to investigate the genetic population structure of T. caelata in its restricted distribution area.     

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.