Assistant Unit Leader - Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Professional Experience
2013 - 2021 Research Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center
2015 - Present Research Associate, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
2014 - Present Affiliate Faculty, Utah State University
2009 - Present Affiliate Faculty, University of Alaska Anchorage
2009 - 2013 Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center
2009 - 2013 Affiliate Faculty, Alaska Pacific University
2008 - 2009 Post-doctoral Fellow, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution
2006 - 2008 Post-doctoral Fellow, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution
2002 - 2006 Graduate Research Assistant, University of Alaska Fairbanks
2002 - 2005 Wildlife Biologist, USGS, Alaska Science Center
2000 - 2002 Graduate Research Assistant, Brigham Young University
Professional Activities and/or Memberships
Sea Duck Joint Venture Continental Technical Team Member
Wilson Ornithological Society Research Grants Review Committee Member
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2006 University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK Biological
M.S. 2002 Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
B.S. 2000 University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI Biology
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 16
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 Cooper's Hawks, North America
This data set describes nuclear microsatellite genotypes derived from six autosomal loci (AgCA222, Age7.1JT, BV13, BV20, NVH206, NVH195-2) in Cooper's Hawks. Samples originated from blood samples collected from live trapped birds.
Genomic Data from Ptarmigan and Grouse, Alaska
This data set provides sample data and NCBI accession information for genomic sequencing of ptarmigan and grouse from Alaska.
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
Genomic Data of North American Sea Ducks
This data set describes accession numbers for nucleotide sequence data derived from whole mitochondrial genome and double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD).
Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) Genetic Data, North America
This data set provides NCBI accession numbers for nucleotide sequence data derived from a mitochondrial DNA locus (control region) and double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD).
Genetic Data from Barrow's Goldeneye and Common Goldeneye
This data set describes nuclear microsatellite genotypes derived from eight autosomal loci (Aph02, Aph11, Aalµ1, Sfiµ4, Smo4, Smo7, Smo12, and Sfiµ8) and accession numbers for double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequences.
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,
Shrew (Sorex sp.) Gut Contents Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, North America, 1968-2016
This data package contains four tables related to helminths and bacteria identified in the guts of North American shrews (Genus: Sorex). Tables include: two tables of specimen information about each shrew, such as species, museum collection identification, and NCBI accession IDs; one table of NBCI GenBank accession numbers of previously identified DNA sequences used in this study to design the hel
Metabarcoding of Feces of Pacific Walruses and Autosomal DNA Sequence Data of Marine Invertebrates, 2012-2015, Alaska
This data set describes nucleotide sequence data derived from 18S ribosomal DNA amplified in two fragments. A total of 87 feces from Pacific walrus and 57 marine invertebrates were examined for this study. Samples were collected from the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea, Alaska. Samples used in the study originated from feces or muscle samples collected in the field from ice floes or benthic van Veen gr
Scoter (Melanitta sp.) ddRAD SNP and Microsatellite Genetic Data, North America and Europe, 1977-2012
This data set contains sampling information, allele sizes of 11 microsatellite loci, and Genbank accession numbers of ddRAD seq results for scoters (Melanitta sp.). Microsatellite data is provided for three North American species of scoter (black scoter, M. americana n = 61; white-winged scoter, M. deglandi, n = 208 ; surf scoter, M. perspicillata, n = 145) and their European congeners (common sco
Filter Total Items: 60
Fecal DNA metabarcoding shows credible short-term prey detections and explains variation in the gut microbiome of two polar bear subpopulations
This study developed and evaluated DNA metabarcoding to identify the presence of pinniped and cetacean prey DNA in fecal samples of East Greenland (EG) and Southern Beaufort Sea (SB) polar bears Ursus maritimus sampled in the spring of 2015-2019. Prey DNA was detected in half (49/92) of all samples, and when detected, ringed seal Pusa hispida was the predominant prey species, identified in 100% (2
Authors
Megan Franz, L Whyte, Todd C. Atwood, Damian M. Menning, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Sandra Talbot, Kristin L. Laidre, Emmanuel Gonzalez, Melissa McKinney
Gull plumages are, and are not, what they appear to human vision
Clear correlations between human and bird visual assessments of color have been documented, and are often assumed, despite fundamental differences in human and avian visual physiology and morphology. Analyses of plumage colors with avian perceptual models have shown widespread hidden inter-sexual and inter-specific color variation among passerines perceived as monochromatic to humans, highlighting
Authors
Muir D Eaton, Pilar Benites, Luke Campillo, Robert E. Wilson, Sarah A. Sonsthagen
The DDT-induced decline influenced genetic diversity in naturally-recovered peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) nesting within the Alaska Arctic and eastern Interior
We assessed the influence of the severe mid-20th century population decline on genetic diversity in non-augmented peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations nesting within Alaska Arctic and eastern Interior. Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data were analyzed for peregrine falcons sampled from three periods: pre-decline, decline, and post-decline. The influence of the decline on g
Authors
Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Ted Swem, Skip Ambrose, Melanie J. Flamme, Clayton M White, George K Sage, Sandra L Talbot
Species-specific responses to landscape features shaped genomic structure within Alaska galliformes
AimConnectivity is vital to the resiliency of populations to environmental change and stochastic events, especially for cold-adapted species as Arctic and alpine tundra habitats retract as the climate warms. We examined the influence of past and current landscapes on genomic connectivity in cold-adapted galliformes as a critical first step to assess the vulnerability of Alaska ptarmigan and grouse
Authors
Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Robert E. Wilson, Sandra L. Talbot
Dynamic landscapes in northwestern North America structured populations of wolverines (Gulo gulo)
Cyclic climatic and glacial fluctuations of the Late Quaternary produced a dynamic biogeographic history for high latitudes. To refine our understanding of this history in northwestern North America, we explored geographic structure in a wide-ranging carnivore, the wolverine (Gulo gulo). We examined genetic variation in populations across mainland Alaska, coastal Southeast Alaska, and mainland wes
Authors
Dianna M Krejsa, Sandra L. Talbot, George K. Sage, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Thomas S Jung, Audrey J Magoun, Joseph A. Cook
Implications of historical and contemporary processes on genetic differentiation of a declining boreal songbird: The rusty blackbird
The arrangement of habitat features via historical or contemporary events can strongly influence genomic and demographic connectivity, and in turn affect levels of genetic diversity and resilience of populations to environmental perturbation. The rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a forested wetland habitat specialist whose population size has declined sharply (78%) over recent decades. The s
Authors
Robert E. Wilson, Steven M. Matsuoka, Luke L. Powell, James A. Johnson, Dean W. Demarest, Diana Stralberg, Sarah A. Sonsthagen
Record fledging count from a seven-egg clutch in the Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) typically lay 3–5 eggs per clutch, rarely 6 eggs, and there are 2 accounts of 7-egg clutches and 1 record of a maximum 8-egg clutch for the species. Brood sizes of 3–5 young are common and the previous maximum brood count is 6 young. However, in 2019, we found an urban nest in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with 7 eggs that resulted in a record high of 7 fledglings.
Authors
Robert N. Rosenfield, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Ann Elizabeth Riddle-Berntsen, Evan Kuhel
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in merlins (Falco columbarius) and cross-species amplification in gyrfalcons (F. rusticolus) and peregrine falcons (F. peregrinus)
I. Background: Merlins, Falco columbarius, breed throughout temperate and high latitude habitats in Asia, Europe, and North America. Like peregrine falcons, F. peregrinus, merlins underwent population declines during the mid-to-late 20th century, due to organochlorine-based contamination, and have subsequently recovered, at least in North American populations.
II. Methods and Results: To bett
Authors
Joshua M. Hull, George K. Sage, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Megan C. Gravley, Breanna L. Martinico, Travis L. Booms, Ted Swem, Sandra L. Talbot
High site fidelity does not equate to population genetic structure for common goldeneye and Barrow's goldeneye in North America
Delineation of population structure provides valuable information for conservation and management of species, as levels of demographic and genetic connectivity not only affect population dynamics but also have important implications for adaptability and resiliency of populations and species. Here, we measure population genetic structure and connectivity across the ranges of two sister species of s
Authors
Joshua I. Brown, Philip Lavretsky, Robert E. Wilson, Christy Haughey, W. Sean Boyd, Daniel Esler, Sandra L. Talbot, Sarah A. Sonsthagen
Microbiomes from biorepositories? 16S rRNA bacterial amplicon sequencing of archived and contemporary intestinal samples of wild mammals (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae)
Interest in gut microbial community composition has exploded recently as a result of the increasing ability to characterize these organisms and a growing understanding of their role in host fitness. New technologies, such as next generation amplicon (16S rRNA) sequencing, have enabled identification of bacterial communities from samples of diverse origin (e.g., fecal, skin, genital, environmental,
Authors
Stephen E. Greiman, Joseph A. Cook, Timothy Odem, Katelyn Cranmer, Schuyler W Liphardt, Damian M. Menning, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Sandra L. Talbot
DNA metabarcoding of feces to infer summer diet of Pacific walruses
Environmental conditions in the Chukchi Sea are changing rapidly and may alter the abundance and distribution of marine species and their benthic prey. We used a metabarcoding approach to identify potentially important prey taxa from Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) fecal samples (n = 87). Bivalvia was the most dominant class of prey (66% of all normalized counts) and occurred in 98% o
Authors
Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Chadwick V. Jay, Robert S. Cornman, Anthony S. Fischbach, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier, Sandra L. Talbot
Mitochondrial genome diversity and population mitogenomics of Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and Arctic dwelling gadoids
High-latitude fish typically exhibit a narrow thermal tolerance window, which may pose challenges when coping with temperatures that shift outside of a species’ range of tolerance. Due to its role in aerobic metabolism and energy balance, the mitochondrial genome is likely critical for the acclimation and adaptation to differing temperature regimes in marine ectotherms. As oceans continue to warm,
Authors
Robert E. Wilson, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Noel Sme, Anthony J. Gharrett, Andrew Majewski, Kate Wedemeyer, R. John Nelson, Sandra L. Talbot
Non-USGS Publications**
Pons, J.-M., S.A. Sonsthagen, C. Dove, P.A. Crochet. 2014. Extensive mitochondrial introgression in North American Great Black-backed Gulls (Larus marinus) from the American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) with little nuclear DNA impact. Heredity. 112:226–239. doi:10.1038/hdy.2013.98
Wilson, R.E., M.D. Eaton, S.A. Sonsthagen, J.L. Peters, K.P. Johnson, B. Simarra, and K.G. McCracken. 2011. Speciation and subspecies divergence in Cinnamon Teal and Blue-winged Teal. Condor. 13:747–761.
Cibois, A., J.S. Beadell, G.R. Graves, E. Pasquet, B. Slika, S.A. Sonsthagen, J.-C. Thibault, and R.C. Fleischer. 2011. Charting the course of reed-warblers across the Pacific islands. Journal of Biogeography. 38:1963–1975.
Driskell, A.C., J.A. Norman, S. Pruett-Jones, E. Mangall, S.A. Sonsthagen, L. Christidis. 2011. A multigene phylogeny examining evolutionary and ecological relationships in the Australo-Papuan wrens of the subfamily Malurinae (Aves). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 60:480–485.
McCracken, K.G., C.P. Barger, M. Bulgarella, K.P. Johnson, S.A. Sonsthagen, T.H. Valqui, R.E. Wilson, K. Winker, and M.D. Sorenson. 2009. Parallel adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia in the major hemoglobin of eight Andean duck species. Molecular Ecology. 18:3992–4005.
Cooper, S.J., and S. Sonsthagen. 2007. Heat production from foraging activity contributes to thermoregulation in Black-capped Chickadees. Condor. 109:446–451.
Wilson, R.E., S.A. Sonsthagen, C.P. Barger, and K.G. McCracken. 2007. Asymmetric molt or feather wear in Flying Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres patachonicus) from coastal habitats in Argentina. Ornitologia Neotropical. 18:293–300.
Sonsthagen, S.A., R. Rodriguez, and C.M. White. 2006. Satellite telemetry of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah–I. Annual movements. Studies in Avian Biology. 31:239–251.
Sonsthagen, S.A., R. Rodriguez, and C.M. White. 2006. Satellite telemetry of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah–II. Annual habitats. Studies in Avian Biology. 31:252–259.
Gustavson, K.E., S.A. Sonsthagen, R. Crunkilton, and J.M. Harkin. 2000. Groundwater toxicity assessment using bioassay, chemical, and TIE analyses. Environmental Toxicology. 15:421–430.
Rosenfield, R.N., J. Bielefeldt, S. Sonsthagen, and T. Booms. 2000. Comparable reproductive success at conifer plantation and non-plantation nest sites for Cooper’s Hawks in Wisconsin. Wilson Bulletin. 112:417–421.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
- Data
Filter Total Items: 16
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 Cooper's Hawks, North America
This data set describes nuclear microsatellite genotypes derived from six autosomal loci (AgCA222, Age7.1JT, BV13, BV20, NVH206, NVH195-2) in Cooper's Hawks. Samples originated from blood samples collected from live trapped birds.Genomic Data from Ptarmigan and Grouse, Alaska
This data set provides sample data and NCBI accession information for genomic sequencing of ptarmigan and grouse from Alaska.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 obGenomic Data of North American Sea Ducks
This data set describes accession numbers for nucleotide sequence data derived from whole mitochondrial genome and double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD).Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) Genetic Data, North America
This data set provides NCBI accession numbers for nucleotide sequence data derived from a mitochondrial DNA locus (control region) and double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD).Genetic Data from Barrow's Goldeneye and Common Goldeneye
This data set describes nuclear microsatellite genotypes derived from eight autosomal loci (Aph02, Aph11, Aalµ1, Sfiµ4, Smo4, Smo7, Smo12, and Sfiµ8) and accession numbers for double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequences.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 sizesGenetic 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,Shrew (Sorex sp.) Gut Contents Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, North America, 1968-2016
This data package contains four tables related to helminths and bacteria identified in the guts of North American shrews (Genus: Sorex). Tables include: two tables of specimen information about each shrew, such as species, museum collection identification, and NCBI accession IDs; one table of NBCI GenBank accession numbers of previously identified DNA sequences used in this study to design the helMetabarcoding of Feces of Pacific Walruses and Autosomal DNA Sequence Data of Marine Invertebrates, 2012-2015, Alaska
This data set describes nucleotide sequence data derived from 18S ribosomal DNA amplified in two fragments. A total of 87 feces from Pacific walrus and 57 marine invertebrates were examined for this study. Samples were collected from the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea, Alaska. Samples used in the study originated from feces or muscle samples collected in the field from ice floes or benthic van Veen grScoter (Melanitta sp.) ddRAD SNP and Microsatellite Genetic Data, North America and Europe, 1977-2012
This data set contains sampling information, allele sizes of 11 microsatellite loci, and Genbank accession numbers of ddRAD seq results for scoters (Melanitta sp.). Microsatellite data is provided for three North American species of scoter (black scoter, M. americana n = 61; white-winged scoter, M. deglandi, n = 208 ; surf scoter, M. perspicillata, n = 145) and their European congeners (common sco - Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 60
Fecal DNA metabarcoding shows credible short-term prey detections and explains variation in the gut microbiome of two polar bear subpopulations
This study developed and evaluated DNA metabarcoding to identify the presence of pinniped and cetacean prey DNA in fecal samples of East Greenland (EG) and Southern Beaufort Sea (SB) polar bears Ursus maritimus sampled in the spring of 2015-2019. Prey DNA was detected in half (49/92) of all samples, and when detected, ringed seal Pusa hispida was the predominant prey species, identified in 100% (2AuthorsMegan Franz, L Whyte, Todd C. Atwood, Damian M. Menning, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Sandra Talbot, Kristin L. Laidre, Emmanuel Gonzalez, Melissa McKinneyGull plumages are, and are not, what they appear to human vision
Clear correlations between human and bird visual assessments of color have been documented, and are often assumed, despite fundamental differences in human and avian visual physiology and morphology. Analyses of plumage colors with avian perceptual models have shown widespread hidden inter-sexual and inter-specific color variation among passerines perceived as monochromatic to humans, highlightingAuthorsMuir D Eaton, Pilar Benites, Luke Campillo, Robert E. Wilson, Sarah A. SonsthagenThe DDT-induced decline influenced genetic diversity in naturally-recovered peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) nesting within the Alaska Arctic and eastern Interior
We assessed the influence of the severe mid-20th century population decline on genetic diversity in non-augmented peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations nesting within Alaska Arctic and eastern Interior. Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data were analyzed for peregrine falcons sampled from three periods: pre-decline, decline, and post-decline. The influence of the decline on gAuthorsSarah A. Sonsthagen, Ted Swem, Skip Ambrose, Melanie J. Flamme, Clayton M White, George K Sage, Sandra L TalbotSpecies-specific responses to landscape features shaped genomic structure within Alaska galliformes
AimConnectivity is vital to the resiliency of populations to environmental change and stochastic events, especially for cold-adapted species as Arctic and alpine tundra habitats retract as the climate warms. We examined the influence of past and current landscapes on genomic connectivity in cold-adapted galliformes as a critical first step to assess the vulnerability of Alaska ptarmigan and grouseAuthorsSarah A. Sonsthagen, Robert E. Wilson, Sandra L. TalbotDynamic landscapes in northwestern North America structured populations of wolverines (Gulo gulo)
Cyclic climatic and glacial fluctuations of the Late Quaternary produced a dynamic biogeographic history for high latitudes. To refine our understanding of this history in northwestern North America, we explored geographic structure in a wide-ranging carnivore, the wolverine (Gulo gulo). We examined genetic variation in populations across mainland Alaska, coastal Southeast Alaska, and mainland wesAuthorsDianna M Krejsa, Sandra L. Talbot, George K. Sage, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Thomas S Jung, Audrey J Magoun, Joseph A. CookImplications of historical and contemporary processes on genetic differentiation of a declining boreal songbird: The rusty blackbird
The arrangement of habitat features via historical or contemporary events can strongly influence genomic and demographic connectivity, and in turn affect levels of genetic diversity and resilience of populations to environmental perturbation. The rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a forested wetland habitat specialist whose population size has declined sharply (78%) over recent decades. The sAuthorsRobert E. Wilson, Steven M. Matsuoka, Luke L. Powell, James A. Johnson, Dean W. Demarest, Diana Stralberg, Sarah A. SonsthagenRecord fledging count from a seven-egg clutch in the Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) typically lay 3–5 eggs per clutch, rarely 6 eggs, and there are 2 accounts of 7-egg clutches and 1 record of a maximum 8-egg clutch for the species. Brood sizes of 3–5 young are common and the previous maximum brood count is 6 young. However, in 2019, we found an urban nest in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with 7 eggs that resulted in a record high of 7 fledglings.AuthorsRobert N. Rosenfield, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Ann Elizabeth Riddle-Berntsen, Evan KuhelIsolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in merlins (Falco columbarius) and cross-species amplification in gyrfalcons (F. rusticolus) and peregrine falcons (F. peregrinus)
I. Background: Merlins, Falco columbarius, breed throughout temperate and high latitude habitats in Asia, Europe, and North America. Like peregrine falcons, F. peregrinus, merlins underwent population declines during the mid-to-late 20th century, due to organochlorine-based contamination, and have subsequently recovered, at least in North American populations. II. Methods and Results: To bettAuthorsJoshua M. Hull, George K. Sage, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Megan C. Gravley, Breanna L. Martinico, Travis L. Booms, Ted Swem, Sandra L. TalbotHigh site fidelity does not equate to population genetic structure for common goldeneye and Barrow's goldeneye in North America
Delineation of population structure provides valuable information for conservation and management of species, as levels of demographic and genetic connectivity not only affect population dynamics but also have important implications for adaptability and resiliency of populations and species. Here, we measure population genetic structure and connectivity across the ranges of two sister species of sAuthorsJoshua I. Brown, Philip Lavretsky, Robert E. Wilson, Christy Haughey, W. Sean Boyd, Daniel Esler, Sandra L. Talbot, Sarah A. SonsthagenMicrobiomes from biorepositories? 16S rRNA bacterial amplicon sequencing of archived and contemporary intestinal samples of wild mammals (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae)
Interest in gut microbial community composition has exploded recently as a result of the increasing ability to characterize these organisms and a growing understanding of their role in host fitness. New technologies, such as next generation amplicon (16S rRNA) sequencing, have enabled identification of bacterial communities from samples of diverse origin (e.g., fecal, skin, genital, environmental,AuthorsStephen E. Greiman, Joseph A. Cook, Timothy Odem, Katelyn Cranmer, Schuyler W Liphardt, Damian M. Menning, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Sandra L. TalbotDNA metabarcoding of feces to infer summer diet of Pacific walruses
Environmental conditions in the Chukchi Sea are changing rapidly and may alter the abundance and distribution of marine species and their benthic prey. We used a metabarcoding approach to identify potentially important prey taxa from Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) fecal samples (n = 87). Bivalvia was the most dominant class of prey (66% of all normalized counts) and occurred in 98% oAuthorsSarah A. Sonsthagen, Chadwick V. Jay, Robert S. Cornman, Anthony S. Fischbach, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier, Sandra L. TalbotMitochondrial genome diversity and population mitogenomics of Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and Arctic dwelling gadoids
High-latitude fish typically exhibit a narrow thermal tolerance window, which may pose challenges when coping with temperatures that shift outside of a species’ range of tolerance. Due to its role in aerobic metabolism and energy balance, the mitochondrial genome is likely critical for the acclimation and adaptation to differing temperature regimes in marine ectotherms. As oceans continue to warm,AuthorsRobert E. Wilson, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Noel Sme, Anthony J. Gharrett, Andrew Majewski, Kate Wedemeyer, R. John Nelson, Sandra L. TalbotNon-USGS Publications**
Pons, J.-M., S.A. Sonsthagen, C. Dove, P.A. Crochet. 2014. Extensive mitochondrial introgression in North American Great Black-backed Gulls (Larus marinus) from the American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) with little nuclear DNA impact. Heredity. 112:226–239. doi:10.1038/hdy.2013.98Wilson, R.E., M.D. Eaton, S.A. Sonsthagen, J.L. Peters, K.P. Johnson, B. Simarra, and K.G. McCracken. 2011. Speciation and subspecies divergence in Cinnamon Teal and Blue-winged Teal. Condor. 13:747–761.Cibois, A., J.S. Beadell, G.R. Graves, E. Pasquet, B. Slika, S.A. Sonsthagen, J.-C. Thibault, and R.C. Fleischer. 2011. Charting the course of reed-warblers across the Pacific islands. Journal of Biogeography. 38:1963–1975.Driskell, A.C., J.A. Norman, S. Pruett-Jones, E. Mangall, S.A. Sonsthagen, L. Christidis. 2011. A multigene phylogeny examining evolutionary and ecological relationships in the Australo-Papuan wrens of the subfamily Malurinae (Aves). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 60:480–485.McCracken, K.G., C.P. Barger, M. Bulgarella, K.P. Johnson, S.A. Sonsthagen, T.H. Valqui, R.E. Wilson, K. Winker, and M.D. Sorenson. 2009. Parallel adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia in the major hemoglobin of eight Andean duck species. Molecular Ecology. 18:3992–4005.Cooper, S.J., and S. Sonsthagen. 2007. Heat production from foraging activity contributes to thermoregulation in Black-capped Chickadees. Condor. 109:446–451.Wilson, R.E., S.A. Sonsthagen, C.P. Barger, and K.G. McCracken. 2007. Asymmetric molt or feather wear in Flying Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres patachonicus) from coastal habitats in Argentina. Ornitologia Neotropical. 18:293–300.Sonsthagen, S.A., R. Rodriguez, and C.M. White. 2006. Satellite telemetry of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah–I. Annual movements. Studies in Avian Biology. 31:239–251.Sonsthagen, S.A., R. Rodriguez, and C.M. White. 2006. Satellite telemetry of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah–II. Annual habitats. Studies in Avian Biology. 31:252–259.Gustavson, K.E., S.A. Sonsthagen, R. Crunkilton, and J.M. Harkin. 2000. Groundwater toxicity assessment using bioassay, chemical, and TIE analyses. Environmental Toxicology. 15:421–430.Rosenfield, R.N., J. Bielefeldt, S. Sonsthagen, and T. Booms. 2000. Comparable reproductive success at conifer plantation and non-plantation nest sites for Cooper’s Hawks in Wisconsin. Wilson Bulletin. 112:417–421.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.