Determination of Genetic Diversity of River Otter Populations in Minnesota
Location
CSU 203
Start Date
24-4-2007 8:15 AM
End Date
24-4-2007 9:45 AM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
John D. Krentz
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Second Mentor's Name
Robert E. Sorensen
Second Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Natural populations differ genetically from one another primarily because of natural selection and limitations on the exchange of individuals (restricted gene flow). Because a population's ability to adapt to a changing environment depends on genetic variability, a restriction in the exchange of individuals may subsequently result in reduced population variability. Knowledge regarding the genetic make-up of populations is important in the conservation of biological diversity by allowing the identification of potential source populations and to maintain variability in small populations. Once widespread, river otter populations in Minnesota were greatly reduced or eliminated due to human activity. Current populations have rebounded and translocations of animals from source populations to areas of local extinction such as the Minnesota River have occurred or are being contemplated. My goal was to quantify genetic differences among populations of river otters intimately associated with drainage systems in Minnesota to formulate a phylogenetic map. I hypothesized that populations which are connected by river systems would exchange individuals more frequently, and thus would be more similar genetically. To collect data, otter tissue was received from trappers. I used DNA sequence data from prior studies in other states to develop a method for genotyping Minnesota otters. I compared genotypes of 185 otters at three loci from the Mississippi River and to the St. Louis River population (which is not connected to the Mississippi River). Genotypic data generated from genotyped otters and conclusions will be presented.
Determination of Genetic Diversity of River Otter Populations in Minnesota
CSU 203
Natural populations differ genetically from one another primarily because of natural selection and limitations on the exchange of individuals (restricted gene flow). Because a population's ability to adapt to a changing environment depends on genetic variability, a restriction in the exchange of individuals may subsequently result in reduced population variability. Knowledge regarding the genetic make-up of populations is important in the conservation of biological diversity by allowing the identification of potential source populations and to maintain variability in small populations. Once widespread, river otter populations in Minnesota were greatly reduced or eliminated due to human activity. Current populations have rebounded and translocations of animals from source populations to areas of local extinction such as the Minnesota River have occurred or are being contemplated. My goal was to quantify genetic differences among populations of river otters intimately associated with drainage systems in Minnesota to formulate a phylogenetic map. I hypothesized that populations which are connected by river systems would exchange individuals more frequently, and thus would be more similar genetically. To collect data, otter tissue was received from trappers. I used DNA sequence data from prior studies in other states to develop a method for genotyping Minnesota otters. I compared genotypes of 185 otters at three loci from the Mississippi River and to the St. Louis River population (which is not connected to the Mississippi River). Genotypic data generated from genotyped otters and conclusions will be presented.
Recommended Citation
McCalla, Sunnie. "Determination of Genetic Diversity of River Otter Populations in Minnesota." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 24, 2007.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2007/oral-session-11/4
