Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Temporal and Spatial Genetic Consistency of Walleye (Sander vitreus) Spawning Groups

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Science, University of Toledo, Biology (Ecology).
The population genetic structure of three of the largest walleye spawning groups in Lake Erie is tested for consistency over time and space spanning 14 years, based on nine high-resolution nuclear DNA microsatellite loci. Previous genetic studies focused on a one-time genetic “snapshot”, with an earlier study by our laboratory finding that the genetic structure of three Lake Erie spawning groups along the southern shore - Maumee River, Sandusky River, and Van Buren Bay reefs - appeared similar in 2003, whereas most other spawning groups across Lake Erie were genetically distinctive. The present study analyzes the stability of genetic similarity patterns within and among 726 walleye spawning at these three sites across years and age cohorts in 1995, 1998, 2003, 2007, and 2008. Genetic patterns are evaluated using pairwise FST analog and contingency tests, AMOVA partitioning, and Bayesian assignment tests. Results reveal overall year-to-year consistency in genetic structure of walleye spawning at the three sites, with some annual variation in the Van Buren Bay reef group. Greater genetic divergence from the other groups is detected in the Van Buren Bay spawning group, which reflects greater geographic separation. Walleye spawning in the Sandusky and Maumee Rivers are genetically distinguishable from each other when data from all years are combined, which suggests possible sample size effect (i.e., annual sample sizes likely were not large enough to detect their genetic differentiation). No significant differences occur among age cohorts, between the sexes, or among sampling dates within spawning runs. Results demonstrate the importance of sampling over several years of walleye spawning runs in order to resolve fine-scale genetic relationships within an open lake system.
Carol Stepien, PhD (Committee Chair)
William Sigler, PhD (Committee Member)
Patrick Kocovsky, PhD (Committee Member)
54 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Banda, J. A. (2011). Temporal and Spatial Genetic Consistency of Walleye (Sander vitreus) Spawning Groups [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1321498533

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Banda, Jo. Temporal and Spatial Genetic Consistency of Walleye (Sander vitreus) Spawning Groups. 2011. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1321498533.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Banda, Jo. "Temporal and Spatial Genetic Consistency of Walleye (Sander vitreus) Spawning Groups." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1321498533

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)