The distribution of immunoglobulin allotypes in rabbit populations in Australia and on Macquarie Island |
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| Authors: | C C Curtain D H Wood W R Sobey |
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| Institution: | CSIRO Division of Animal Health, Animal Health Research Laboratory, Park-ville, Victoria 3052, Australia;CSIRO Division of Wildlife Research, Lyneham, A.C.T. 2062, Australia;CSIRO Division of Animal Genetics, Epping, N.S.W. 212?, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Wild rabbit populations from several parts of south-eastern Australia and from Tasmania and Macquarie Island were tested for the As1, As2, As3 ( a locus) and the As4, As5, As6, As9 ( b locus) allotypic IgG markers. All markers except As6 were present in the Australian mainland and Tasmanian populations, and there appeared to be a significant increase in As 1 frequency with decreasing rainfall. On the other hand the Macquarie Island samples were virtually all homozygous As1 at the a locus and lacked As6 and As9 at the b locus.
These results are discussed against the background of the known history of the introduction of the rabbit into the areas studied. It was felt that 'founder effect' could account for the observed distribution on Macquarie Island. However, the As 1 cline in Australia warrants further study, particularly in relation to possible selective effects. |
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