The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center provides genetic information on the health and status of biological resources for diverse local, state, and federal partners.
Bobbi J Pierson (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 22
Dictionary of Microsatellite Loci from the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory
This data package provides a dictionary of microsatellite locus primers used by the USGS Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory (MEL). It is a look-up file of microsatellite locus names and citations to the original publication or source where additional information about the locus primers may be found.
Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia
This data package is comprised of one table with genetic data from Brant (Branta bernicla). Data include sampling location and allele sizes of 14 microsatellite loci.
Harlequin Duck Genetic Data, North America, Greenland, and Iceland, 1952-2001
This data package is comprised of three tables with data from wintering Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Maine, Greenland, and Iceland. The first table contains available allele sizes for 7 microsatellite loci and mtDNA control region haplotypes. The second table contains the mtDNA control region sequences used to assign haplotypes. The third t
DNA Microsatellite and Sex Identification Marker Screening for Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
Two tables of data are included in this data release. The first table provides screening results for 32 previously described and/or published microsatellites and 1 sexing marker, primer redesigns for use in Mexican Spotted Owls in this data release, and size of markers in Mexican Spotted Owls. The second table provides microsatellite and sexing marker results for 10 tissue and 98 feather samples f
Gavia Species Identification and Diet Composition from Feces, Central North Slope, Alaska, 2012-2014
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and NCBI BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Loon (Gavia sp.) and fish species expected in lake systems of the North Slope of Alaska from fecal samples. Highly conserved primers which could differentiate species of interest were developed for five portions of gavia mtDNA genes
Detection of Multiple Fish Species Using Environmental DNA (eDNA), Alaska 2018
This release provides results of an environmental DNA (eDNA) study of fish identified in seven Alaskan lakes, three streams, and a positive control. Samples included replicates for multiple sampling dates and locations. The reference list and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/). Highly conserved prim
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) mtDNA and Microsatellite Genetic Data, Alaska, Canada and Russia, 1880-2012
This data set provides sample information, microsatellite genotype, and NCBI accession numbers for mitochondrial DNA sequences of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) from North America and Russia.
Genetic Data from Wolverine (Gulo gulo) of North America
These data are comprised of two tables, one table containing wolverine (Gulo gulo) sample and genetic information for 20 microsatellite loci (Gg10-1, Gg25, Gg37-2, Gg42-1, Gg192-1, Gg443, Gg452, Gg454, Gg465, Gg471, Gg473, Gg-3-1, Gg-4, Gg-7-1, Ggu_216-1, Lut604, Ma-3-1, Mvis075, Tt-1, and Tt-4) and genetic sex determination results from North America and one Russian wolverine. All samples were ob
Detection of Seagrass Pathogens using Environmental DNA (eDNA), North Pacific, 2016-Present
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and NCBI BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Labyrinthula, Phytophthora, and Halophytophthora of known pathogenic and non-pathogenic [to eelgrass (Zostera marina)] strains from eDNA samples. eDNA samples included water, sediment, and eelgrass from Notsuke Wan (Cove) Japan, Saf
Sequence Information from the Mitogenome and Four Nuclear Genes from Holarctic Ermine (Mustela spp.)
These data are comprised of two tables, one of primers used for PCR amplifications and the other containing North American (n = 105), Mongolian (n = 1) and Russian (n = 5) ermine (Mustela spp.) sample accessions and NCBI GenBank DNA sequence accessions for mitogenomes and four nuclear genes (agouti signaling protein [ASIP], feline sarcoma [FES], growth hormone receptor [GHR], and serotonin recepto
Genetic Data for Merlin (Falco columbarius) and Cross-Species Microsatellite Amplification in Select Falco Species, North America
This data set contains allele sizes for 8 previously published and 16 novel microsatellite loci, and one microsatellite redesigned for amplification in Merlins (Falco columarius) associated with circadian clock control and polymorphism that has been associated with juvenile dispersal and migratory behavior in some avian species for Merlin (Falco columbarius) from North America (n=21). Allele sizes
Genetic Data from Three Accipiter Species, North America, 1996-2014
This data set provides sample collection information and genetic data used to identify relationships between groups of North American accipiters, including one hybrid. Genetic data includes gender identification, nuclear and mtDNA sequence markers, and microsatellite genotypes derived from 20 autosomal loci (Age1302, Age1303, Age1304, Age1305, Age1306, Age1307, Age1308, Age1309, Age1310, Age1311,
USGS Alaska Science Center Molecular Ecology Lab
The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center provides genetic information on the health and status of biological resources for diverse local, state, and federal partners.
A phylogeographical study of the discontinuously distributed Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Species distributions are often indicative of historical biogeographical events and contemporary spatial biodiversity patterns. The Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus is a sea duck of conservation concern that has a disjunct distribution, with discrete portions of its range associated with northern Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins. Movement data indicate migratory connectivity within region
Authors
Kim T Scribner, Sandra Talbot, Barbara J. Pierson, John D Robinson, Richard B. Lanctot, Daniel Esler, Kathryn Dickson
Lack of spatial genetic structure among nesting and wintering King Eiders
The King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) has been delineated into two broadly distributed breeding populations in North America (the western and eastern Arctic) on the basis of banding data and their use of widely separated Pacific and Atlantic wintering areas. Little is known about the level of gene flow between these two populations. Also unknown is whether behavioral patterns common among migrato
Authors
John M. Pearce, Sandra L. Talbot, Barbara J. Pierson, Margaret R. Petersen, Kim T. Scribner, D. Lynne. Dickson, Anders Mosbech
Phylogeography of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America
Using molecular genetic markers that differ in mode of inheritance and rate of evolution, we examined levels and partitioning of genetic variation for seven nominal subspecies (11 breeding populations) of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America. Gene trees constructed from mtDNA control region sequence data show that subspecies of Canada Geese do not have distinct mtDNA. Large- a
Authors
Kim T. Scribner, Sandra L. Talbot, John M. Pearce, Barbara J. Pierson, K.S. Bollinger, Dirk V. Derksen
Molecular status of the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis): A genetic assessment of a translocation effort
Until recently, the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis) was managedas one breeding population from the CopperRiver Delta (CRD), Alaska. Population numberson the CRD have declined precipitously over thelast three decades, due in part to changes inhabitat. In 1981, a pair of Canada geese,presumably B.c. occidentalis, wasreported nesting on Middleton Island (MID), inthe Gulf of Alaska
Authors
Sandra L. Talbot, John M. Pearce, Barbara J. Pierson, Dirk V. Derksen, Kim T. Scribner
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea
GA- and CA-enriched genomic libraries were constructed for the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea. Unique repeat motifs identified varied from the expected simple dinucleotide repeats to more complex repeat units. All sequences tended to be highly repetitive but did not necessarily contain the targeted motifs. Seven microsatellite loci were evaluated on sponges from the clone source population
Authors
Anne L. Knowlton, Barbara J. Pierson, Sandra L. Talbot, Ray C. Highsmith
Molecular genetic status of Aleutian Canada Geese from Buldir and the Semidi Islands, Alaska
We conducted genetic analyses of Aleutian Canada Geese (Branta canadensis leucopareia) from Buldir Island in the western Aleutians and the Semidi Islands in the eastern portion of their breeding range. We compared data from seven microsatellite DNA loci and 143 base pairs of the control region of mitochondrial DNA from the two populations of Aleutian Canada Geese and another small-bodied subspecie
Authors
Barbara J. Pierson, John M. Pearce, Sandra L. Talbot, Gerald F. Shields, Kim T. Scribner
A genetic evaluation of morphology used to identify harvested Canada geese
Using maximum likelihood estimators (in genetic stock identification), we used genetic markers to evaluate the utility of 2 morphological measures (culmen length and plumage color) to correctly identify groups of hunter-harvested dusky (Branta canadensis occidentalis) and dusky-like Canada geese on the wintering grounds within the Pacific Flyway. Significant levels of genetic differentiation were
Authors
John M. Pearce, Barbara J. Pierson, Sandra L. Talbot, Dirk V. Derksen, Donald K. Kraege, Kim T. Scribner
Harlequin Duck recovery from the Exxon Valdez oil spill: A population genetics perspective
Concerns about Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill led biologists to ask whether birds located in different molting and wintering areas belong to genetically distinct and, thus, demographically independent populations. Owing to the lack of direct observations of movements among marine areas, three classes of genetic markers that diffe
Authors
Richard B. Lanctot, Buddy L. Goatcher, Kim T. Scribner, Sandra L. Talbot, Barbara J. Pierson, Daniel Esler, Denny Zwiefelhofer
Dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms in waterfowl (family Anatidae): Characterization of a sex-linked (Z-specific) and 14 autosomal loci
Canada goose (Branta Canadensis) and harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) DNAs were digested with Sau3AI, and size selected (300-700 bp) fragments were ligated into BamHI-digested pBluscriptII KS+. The enrichment protocol of Ostrander et al.1 was followed. The resulting libraries were screened using a [ƴ-32P]ATP end-labelled (CA)20 oligonucleotides as a hybridization probe. Positive clones w
Authors
W.G. Buchholz, John M. Pearce, Barbara J. Pierson, Kim T. Scribner
Genetic variation in domestic reindeer and wild caribou in Alaska
Reindeer were introduced into Alaska 100 years ago and have been maintained as semidomestic livestock. They have had contact with wild caribou herds, including deliberate cross-breeding and mixing in the wild. Reindeer have considerable potential as a domestic animal for meat or velvet antler production, and wild caribou are important to subsistence and sport hunters. Our objective was to quantify
Authors
M. Cronin, L. Renecker, Barbara J. Pierson, J.C. Patton
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 22
Dictionary of Microsatellite Loci from the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory
This data package provides a dictionary of microsatellite locus primers used by the USGS Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory (MEL). It is a look-up file of microsatellite locus names and citations to the original publication or source where additional information about the locus primers may be found.
Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia
This data package is comprised of one table with genetic data from Brant (Branta bernicla). Data include sampling location and allele sizes of 14 microsatellite loci.
Harlequin Duck Genetic Data, North America, Greenland, and Iceland, 1952-2001
This data package is comprised of three tables with data from wintering Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Maine, Greenland, and Iceland. The first table contains available allele sizes for 7 microsatellite loci and mtDNA control region haplotypes. The second table contains the mtDNA control region sequences used to assign haplotypes. The third t
DNA Microsatellite and Sex Identification Marker Screening for Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
Two tables of data are included in this data release. The first table provides screening results for 32 previously described and/or published microsatellites and 1 sexing marker, primer redesigns for use in Mexican Spotted Owls in this data release, and size of markers in Mexican Spotted Owls. The second table provides microsatellite and sexing marker results for 10 tissue and 98 feather samples f
Gavia Species Identification and Diet Composition from Feces, Central North Slope, Alaska, 2012-2014
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and NCBI BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Loon (Gavia sp.) and fish species expected in lake systems of the North Slope of Alaska from fecal samples. Highly conserved primers which could differentiate species of interest were developed for five portions of gavia mtDNA genes
Detection of Multiple Fish Species Using Environmental DNA (eDNA), Alaska 2018
This release provides results of an environmental DNA (eDNA) study of fish identified in seven Alaskan lakes, three streams, and a positive control. Samples included replicates for multiple sampling dates and locations. The reference list and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/). Highly conserved prim
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) mtDNA and Microsatellite Genetic Data, Alaska, Canada and Russia, 1880-2012
This data set provides sample information, microsatellite genotype, and NCBI accession numbers for mitochondrial DNA sequences of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) from North America and Russia.
Genetic Data from Wolverine (Gulo gulo) of North America
These data are comprised of two tables, one table containing wolverine (Gulo gulo) sample and genetic information for 20 microsatellite loci (Gg10-1, Gg25, Gg37-2, Gg42-1, Gg192-1, Gg443, Gg452, Gg454, Gg465, Gg471, Gg473, Gg-3-1, Gg-4, Gg-7-1, Ggu_216-1, Lut604, Ma-3-1, Mvis075, Tt-1, and Tt-4) and genetic sex determination results from North America and one Russian wolverine. All samples were ob
Detection of Seagrass Pathogens using Environmental DNA (eDNA), North Pacific, 2016-Present
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and NCBI BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Labyrinthula, Phytophthora, and Halophytophthora of known pathogenic and non-pathogenic [to eelgrass (Zostera marina)] strains from eDNA samples. eDNA samples included water, sediment, and eelgrass from Notsuke Wan (Cove) Japan, Saf
Sequence Information from the Mitogenome and Four Nuclear Genes from Holarctic Ermine (Mustela spp.)
These data are comprised of two tables, one of primers used for PCR amplifications and the other containing North American (n = 105), Mongolian (n = 1) and Russian (n = 5) ermine (Mustela spp.) sample accessions and NCBI GenBank DNA sequence accessions for mitogenomes and four nuclear genes (agouti signaling protein [ASIP], feline sarcoma [FES], growth hormone receptor [GHR], and serotonin recepto
Genetic Data for Merlin (Falco columbarius) and Cross-Species Microsatellite Amplification in Select Falco Species, North America
This data set contains allele sizes for 8 previously published and 16 novel microsatellite loci, and one microsatellite redesigned for amplification in Merlins (Falco columarius) associated with circadian clock control and polymorphism that has been associated with juvenile dispersal and migratory behavior in some avian species for Merlin (Falco columbarius) from North America (n=21). Allele sizes
Genetic Data from Three Accipiter Species, North America, 1996-2014
This data set provides sample collection information and genetic data used to identify relationships between groups of North American accipiters, including one hybrid. Genetic data includes gender identification, nuclear and mtDNA sequence markers, and microsatellite genotypes derived from 20 autosomal loci (Age1302, Age1303, Age1304, Age1305, Age1306, Age1307, Age1308, Age1309, Age1310, Age1311,
USGS Alaska Science Center Molecular Ecology Lab
The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center provides genetic information on the health and status of biological resources for diverse local, state, and federal partners.
The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center provides genetic information on the health and status of biological resources for diverse local, state, and federal partners.
A phylogeographical study of the discontinuously distributed Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Species distributions are often indicative of historical biogeographical events and contemporary spatial biodiversity patterns. The Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus is a sea duck of conservation concern that has a disjunct distribution, with discrete portions of its range associated with northern Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins. Movement data indicate migratory connectivity within region
Authors
Kim T Scribner, Sandra Talbot, Barbara J. Pierson, John D Robinson, Richard B. Lanctot, Daniel Esler, Kathryn Dickson
Lack of spatial genetic structure among nesting and wintering King Eiders
The King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) has been delineated into two broadly distributed breeding populations in North America (the western and eastern Arctic) on the basis of banding data and their use of widely separated Pacific and Atlantic wintering areas. Little is known about the level of gene flow between these two populations. Also unknown is whether behavioral patterns common among migrato
Authors
John M. Pearce, Sandra L. Talbot, Barbara J. Pierson, Margaret R. Petersen, Kim T. Scribner, D. Lynne. Dickson, Anders Mosbech
Phylogeography of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America
Using molecular genetic markers that differ in mode of inheritance and rate of evolution, we examined levels and partitioning of genetic variation for seven nominal subspecies (11 breeding populations) of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America. Gene trees constructed from mtDNA control region sequence data show that subspecies of Canada Geese do not have distinct mtDNA. Large- a
Authors
Kim T. Scribner, Sandra L. Talbot, John M. Pearce, Barbara J. Pierson, K.S. Bollinger, Dirk V. Derksen
Molecular status of the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis): A genetic assessment of a translocation effort
Until recently, the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis) was managedas one breeding population from the CopperRiver Delta (CRD), Alaska. Population numberson the CRD have declined precipitously over thelast three decades, due in part to changes inhabitat. In 1981, a pair of Canada geese,presumably B.c. occidentalis, wasreported nesting on Middleton Island (MID), inthe Gulf of Alaska
Authors
Sandra L. Talbot, John M. Pearce, Barbara J. Pierson, Dirk V. Derksen, Kim T. Scribner
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea
GA- and CA-enriched genomic libraries were constructed for the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea. Unique repeat motifs identified varied from the expected simple dinucleotide repeats to more complex repeat units. All sequences tended to be highly repetitive but did not necessarily contain the targeted motifs. Seven microsatellite loci were evaluated on sponges from the clone source population
Authors
Anne L. Knowlton, Barbara J. Pierson, Sandra L. Talbot, Ray C. Highsmith
Molecular genetic status of Aleutian Canada Geese from Buldir and the Semidi Islands, Alaska
We conducted genetic analyses of Aleutian Canada Geese (Branta canadensis leucopareia) from Buldir Island in the western Aleutians and the Semidi Islands in the eastern portion of their breeding range. We compared data from seven microsatellite DNA loci and 143 base pairs of the control region of mitochondrial DNA from the two populations of Aleutian Canada Geese and another small-bodied subspecie
Authors
Barbara J. Pierson, John M. Pearce, Sandra L. Talbot, Gerald F. Shields, Kim T. Scribner
A genetic evaluation of morphology used to identify harvested Canada geese
Using maximum likelihood estimators (in genetic stock identification), we used genetic markers to evaluate the utility of 2 morphological measures (culmen length and plumage color) to correctly identify groups of hunter-harvested dusky (Branta canadensis occidentalis) and dusky-like Canada geese on the wintering grounds within the Pacific Flyway. Significant levels of genetic differentiation were
Authors
John M. Pearce, Barbara J. Pierson, Sandra L. Talbot, Dirk V. Derksen, Donald K. Kraege, Kim T. Scribner
Harlequin Duck recovery from the Exxon Valdez oil spill: A population genetics perspective
Concerns about Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill led biologists to ask whether birds located in different molting and wintering areas belong to genetically distinct and, thus, demographically independent populations. Owing to the lack of direct observations of movements among marine areas, three classes of genetic markers that diffe
Authors
Richard B. Lanctot, Buddy L. Goatcher, Kim T. Scribner, Sandra L. Talbot, Barbara J. Pierson, Daniel Esler, Denny Zwiefelhofer
Dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms in waterfowl (family Anatidae): Characterization of a sex-linked (Z-specific) and 14 autosomal loci
Canada goose (Branta Canadensis) and harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) DNAs were digested with Sau3AI, and size selected (300-700 bp) fragments were ligated into BamHI-digested pBluscriptII KS+. The enrichment protocol of Ostrander et al.1 was followed. The resulting libraries were screened using a [ƴ-32P]ATP end-labelled (CA)20 oligonucleotides as a hybridization probe. Positive clones w
Authors
W.G. Buchholz, John M. Pearce, Barbara J. Pierson, Kim T. Scribner
Genetic variation in domestic reindeer and wild caribou in Alaska
Reindeer were introduced into Alaska 100 years ago and have been maintained as semidomestic livestock. They have had contact with wild caribou herds, including deliberate cross-breeding and mixing in the wild. Reindeer have considerable potential as a domestic animal for meat or velvet antler production, and wild caribou are important to subsistence and sport hunters. Our objective was to quantify
Authors
M. Cronin, L. Renecker, Barbara J. Pierson, J.C. Patton