Population genetics of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): a fine-scale look at adjacent river systems

Kolomyjec, Stephen H., Chong, Josephine Y.T., Blair, David, Gongora, Jaime, Grant, Tom R., Johnson, Christopher N., and Moran, Chris (2009) Population genetics of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): a fine-scale look at adjacent river systems. Australian Journal of Zoology, 57 (3 & 4). pp. 225-234.

[img] PDF (Published Version)
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ZO09045
 
17
2


Abstract

Population genetics is a powerful tool to increase the understanding of animals that may otherwise be difficult to study, such as the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). Focusing on two adjacent river systems in New South Wales, we used 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate the population dynamics of the platypus.We found that individual river systems acted as discrete population units. Evidence of migration, presumably overland, between systems explains how these units remain connected. This establishes an isolation-by-distance pattern that maintains species continuity across most of the mainland distribution. This improved understanding of population structure will be a valuable contribution to designing accurate management plans for the long-term conservation of this unique Australian animal.

Item ID: 5622
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1446-5698
Keywords: tropical zoology, platypus, river systems, gene flow, population genetics
Date Deposited: 02 Dec 2009 23:45
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0604 Genetics > 060411 Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960807 Fresh, Ground and Surface Water Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 80%
97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 20%
Downloads: Total: 2
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page