Dissertation Research: Molecular Systematics and Patterns ofGeographic Variation Among Prairie Grouse

松鸡的种群在属Tympanuchus是在 下降，和很少的信息存在关于系统学 或种群遗传学。 本研究 将结合利用限制性内切酶分析 酶促DNA扩增（聚合酶链反应，PCR） 以及对所述多核苷酸的选定部分进行核苷酸测序。 线粒体DNA分子 现存和灭绝的种群 将被纳入系统的详细评估， 地理变异的关系和模式， 在草原松鸡物种中。 遗传独特的群体 以及它们之间的分歧程度 估算 历史因素和近代人类的影响 对草原起源和分布现状的影响 还将对松鸡种群进行评估。 这些数据将 提供了有关进化历史的宝贵信息 北美草原松鸡的数量以及 分子遗传技术在解决保护问题中的应用 生物学和野生动物管理。

Populations of grouse in the genus Tympanuchus are on the decline, and little information exists regarding the systematics or population genetics of taxa within this genus. This research will utilize restriction endonuclease analysis in combination with enzymatic DNA amplification (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) and nucleotide sequencing of selected portions of the mitochondrial DNA molecule. Both extant and extinct populations will be integrated in a detailed assessment of systematic relationships and patterns of geographic variation within and among prairies grouse species. Genetically-unique populations will be identified and the extent of divergence among them estimated. The effects of historical factors and recent human influence on the origin and current distribution of prairie grouse populations will also be evaluated. These data will provide valuable information regarding the evolutionary history of prairie grouse in North America as well as the integration of molecular genetic techniques in solving problems of conservation biology and wildlife management.