Genetic Differentiation of Piping Plovers Across North America
Haig S and Oring LW. 1988. Genetic Differentiation of Piping Plovers Across North America. The Auk. 105(2):260-267
We studied the effect of a recent gap in the range of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) on interpopulation variability and differentiation. Chicks from 79 broods (122 individuals) in Saskatchewan, North Dakota, Manitoba, Minnesota, and New Brunswick were examined by protein electrophoresis. Of 36 presumptive loci examined, 4 were polymorphic (99% criterion). Genotypic distributions in each population conformed to Hardy-Weinberg predictions in 16 of 20 Chi-square tests performed (P < 0.05). Variability within populations was comparable to other avian species (x heterozygosity = 0.016 ? 0.014) and was slightly greater than reported for other species of Charadrius. Inbreeding was not a significant factor within any of the sampled populations (xc Fj, = 0.049). Values for F5t (x? = 0.02) and results of genetic distance/ identity calculations indicated little population differentiation has occurred. Hence, either the gap has not affected the genetics of the species, or changes were not detectable by electrophoresis. Furthermore, results from distribution data, dispersal patterns, and other life-history variables suggest that Piping Plover populations experience annual gene flow. Therefore, current subspecific classifications for the species appear unwarranted. Received 5 June 1987, accepted 19 November 1987.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Haig, Susan; Oring, Lewis
- Units
- GATE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Aves (Birds), Ecology, Inventory and Monitoring (I&M)