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Breeding populations of northern pintails have similar mitochondrial DNA

January 1, 1996
Northern pintails (Anas acuta) are highly nomadic, which may result in high levels of gene flow among nesting areas. To assess the extent of genetic differentiation among nesting areas, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in northern pintail females from three regions: Alaska, California, and midcontinent prairies and parklands. Abundant mtDNA variation was evident (20 genotypes among 289 birds), but there was no significant genetic differentiation of nesting areas within or among regions. Results indicate that pintails have had historically large breeding population sizes and a high rate of gene flow among North American nesting areas. Specific nesting areas are not independent units, but part of a larger continental population. High rates of gene flow suggest that over time, localized reductions in recruitment or survival may be compensated for by immigration.
Publication Year 1996
Title Breeding populations of northern pintails have similar mitochondrial DNA
DOI 10.1139/z96-112
Authors M. A. Cronin, J.B. Grand, Daniel Esler, D.V. Derksen, K.T. Scribner
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Canadian Journal of Zoology
Index ID 1012812
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Alaska Biological Science Center
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