Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the polychaete tubeworm Hobsonia florida

Eight dinucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from Hobsonia florida, a tube‐dwelling ampharetid polychaete. The identified loci were highly polymorphic, with allelic diversity ranging from six to 11 alleles. Levels of expected heterozygosity were 0.52 or greater in all cases, averaging 0.78 across the complete set of loci. Cross‐species amplification was successful in three of the eight loci for one or both of the other species (Melinna cristata and Ampharete acutifrons) tested. Although these novel loci were designed for immediate utility in H. florida population‐level research, these results indicate they may prove useful in studies of other related taxa.     

Using digital images to reconstruct three‐dimensional biological forms: a new tool for morphological studies

We examined two image‐based methods, photogrammetry and stereo vision, used for reconstructing the three‐dimensional form of biological organisms under field conditions. We also developed and tested a third ‘hybrid’ method, which combines the other two techniques. We tested these three methodologies using two different cameras to obtain digital images of museum and field sampled specimens of giant tortoises. Both the precision and repeatability of the methods were assessed statistically on the same specimens by comparing geodesic and Euclidean measurements made on the digital models with linear measurements obtained with caliper and flexible tape. We found no substantial difference between the three methods in measuring the Euclidean distance between landmarks, but spatially denser models (stereo vision and ‘hybrid’) were more accurate for geodesic distances. The use of different digital cameras did not influence the results. Image‐based methods require only inexpensive instruments and appropriate software, and allow reconstruction of the three‐dimensional forms (including their curved surfaces) of organisms sampled in the field. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 95 , 425–436.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the invasive monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)

Microsatellite loci were characterized for the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) from a GT_n‐enriched genomic library. Twelve of 14 microsatellite loci were polymorphic, averaging 6.7 alleles per locus across the 20 individuals genotyped. Mean expected heterozygosity was 0.72, with locus‐specific values ranging from 0.53 to 0.90. An equally high multilocus probability of identity (2.48 × 10^?12) was revealed for this set of loci. In addition, all 12 loci were demonstrated to cross‐amplify to varying extents within three additional parrot genera suggesting their potential utility for population‐level studies in a broad range of Neotropical psittacines.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci for the Amazonian rummy‐nose tetra,Hemigrammus bleheri (Teleostei,Characidae)

The rummy‐nose tetra, Hemigrammus bleheri, is a small fish found in forest streams of the Rio Negro floodplain, central Amazonia. This species is popular in aquaria and used as an ornamental fishery resource by the riverine people from middle Rio Negro. Here we describe eight microsatellite DNA loci for rummy‐nose tetras. Number of alleles and heterozygosity per locus in a sample of 30 fish ranged from five to 22 and from 0.52 to 0.96, respectively. These highly variable genetic markers provide important tools for investigating population history and identifying conservation units in rummy‐nose tetras.     

A set of highly discriminating microsatellite loci for the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus

We describe here the cloning of 12 (7 dinucleotide, 1 trinucleotide and 4 tetranucleotide) microsatellite loci for the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus. When tested for individuals from five different island populations on the Galápagos archipelago, high genetic diversities (9–20 alleles per locus) and heterozygosities (0.200–0.944) were observed. All loci showed no obvious deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The new set of microsatellite loci was able to assign individuals reliably to their island of origin, thus being able to discriminate between residents and migrants between islands.     

Development of primers to characterize the mitochondrial control region of Galápagos land and marine iguanas (Conolophus and Amblyrhynchus)

Primers were developed for the amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial control region of Galápagos land (Conolophus) and marine (Amblyrhynchus) iguanas. Sequences were obtained for four land iguana samples from two islands and for 28 marine iguana samples from three islands. A series of 70–80 bp tandem repeats adjacent to the control region are described and preliminary quantification of intra‐ and interspecific sequence divergence is included.     

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the Amazonian blackwing hatchetfish,Carnegiella marthae (Teleostei,Gasteropelecidae)

The blackwing hatchetfish, Carnegiella marthae, is a small characin species distributed in forest streams of the Negro and upper Orinoco River basins in Amazonia. Freshwater hatchetfish are popular in the aquarium trade and represent an economic resource for the riverine people from middle Rio Negro, in Brazil. We isolated and characterized seven microsatellite DNA loci for the blackwing hatchetfish. Number of alleles and heterozygosity per locus in a sample of 30 fish ranged from three to 17 and from 0.19 to 0.87, respectively. These microsatellite loci provide powerful markers for studies on taxonomy, management and phylogeographic history of Amazonian hatchetfish.     

Characterization of di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers with perfect repeats for Trypanosoma brucei and related species

Trypanosoma brucei, a unicellular parasite causing human sleeping sickness and animal nagana, has a great impact on the socioeconomic environment of sub‐Saharan Africa. The dynamics of the parasite are still poorly understood. We have characterized 14 polymorphic di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci with perfect repeats (only one motif) exhibiting between five and 16 alleles in T. brucei isolates from all over Africa and from all described subspecies. The microsatellites will be useful in addressing population genetic questions in T. brucei to better understand the population structure and spread of this important parasite.     

Polymorphic microsatellite markers for studies of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), the vector of dengue and yellow fever

A significant challenge to population genetic studies of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, has been the lack of polymorphic microsatellite loci. In an effort to develop useful markers, we evaluated the genetic variation at 17 microsatellite loci identified in the A. aegypti genome. Nine loci with at least five alleles were identified in field‐collected specimens from Thailand. An additional two loci carried five alleles if samples from an A. aegypti laboratory colony were included. Our results greatly increase the number of highly variable markers available for the study of the genetics and the population structure of this medically important species.     

Microsatellite markers for the cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi,a commercially important fish from central Amazonia

The cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi is a very popular aquarium fish and the most important ornamental fishery resource for riverine communities inhabiting the Rio Negro floodplain in central Amazonia. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of 14 microsatellite DNA loci for cardinal tetras. Number of alleles and heterozygosity per locus in a sample of 30 fish ranged from 2 to 22 and from 0.49 to 0.92, respectively. These markers provide powerful tools for studies on conservation and management of cardinal tetra resources and for investigating evolutionary processes underlying population diversification in Amazonian flooded forest fishes.