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Evaluating the validity of subspecies classifications: a case study of intraspecific genetic variation in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster)

Adams, Nicole Elizabeth
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1376602302

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science, Miami University, Zoology.
The biological importance of the unit of subspecies has been long debated. Much of the dispute revolves around criteria used to identify subspecies. Historically, taxonomic classifications were constructed using morphological traits. However, established phylogenies based on morphological data may not resemble those constructed using molecular data. Early work divided the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) into 7 subspecies using morphological characteristics, but a morphometric analysis of three subspecies showed no consistent differences among them. I tested the hypothesis that M. ochrogaster subspecies delimitation based on molecular data will be congruent with the current subspecies classification based on morphology. Microsatellite data from the 7 subspecies suggested ~90% of molecular variation was within subspecies. A cluster analysis indicated there were two genetic groups, which do not correspond to existing subspecies or geography. My molecular data failed to support the current subspecific classifications and suggest they may need to be reevaluated using integrative taxonomy.
Nancy Solomon, PhD (Advisor)
Brian Keane, PhD (Committee Member)
David Berg, PhD (Committee Member)
Richard Moore, PhD (Committee Member)
45 p.
Animals; Biology; Evolution and Development; Genetics; Systematic; Zoology
genetic diversity; microsatellite; Microtus ochrogaster; molecular systematics; molecular taxonomy; prairie vole; subspecies

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Adams, N. E. (2013). Evaluating the validity of subspecies classifications: a case study of intraspecific genetic variation in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1376602302

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Adams, Nicole. Evaluating the validity of subspecies classifications: a case study of intraspecific genetic variation in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). 2013. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1376602302.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Adams, Nicole. "Evaluating the validity of subspecies classifications: a case study of intraspecific genetic variation in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster)." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1376602302

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.