Mitochondrial-DNA Variation in the Polytypic Alaskan Song Sparrow
Hare MP and Shields GF. 1992. Mitochondrial-DNA Variation in the Polytypic Alaskan Song Sparrow. The Auk. 109(1):126-132
Previous studies of mitochondrial-DNA (mtDNA) variation in the polytypic Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) have not found geographic structure of haplotype distributions. We used restriction-fragment analysis of mtDNA to analyze geographic variation of Song Sparrows in Alaska, where phenotypic differentiation between populations is greatest. We examined 42 individuals, representing five subspecies, from island and mainland localities. In addition, we examined two specimens each from Washington and California. An average of 55 sites per individual distinguished 12 mtDNA haplotypes, which were all closely related (d = 0.001-0.008). Geographic structure was evident in the distribution of haplotype frequencies, but not in their phylogenetic affinities.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Hare, Matthew; Shields, Gerald
- Units
- CAKN , GLBA , KLGO , SEAN , SITK , WRST
- Keywords
- Biogeography, Birds, Genetics, Geographic Variation, Haplotypes, Mitochondrial DNA, Passerines, Phylogenetic relationships, Song Sparrow