Genetic variation across the historical range of the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Genetic differences within and among naturally occurring populations of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were characterized across five subspecies’ historical ranges using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, microsatellite loci and mitochondrial control region sequencing. Curre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular ecology 2002-04, Vol.11 (4), p.643-657
Main Authors: Mock, K. E., Theimer, T. C., Rhodes Jr, O. E., Greenberg, D. L., Keim, P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
AFLP
Animals
Animals, Wild
control region
DNA, Mitochondrial - genetics
Genetic Variation
Genetics, Population
Meleagris gallopavo
microsatellite
Microsatellite Repeats - genetics
phylogeography
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Turkeys - classification
Turkeys - genetics
wild turkey
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Summary:Genetic differences within and among naturally occurring populations of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were characterized across five subspecies’ historical ranges using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, microsatellite loci and mitochondrial control region sequencing. Current subspecific designations based on morphological traits were generally supported by these analyses, with the exception of the eastern (M. g. silvestris) and Florida (M. g. osceola) subspecies, which consistently formed a single unit. The Gould’s subspecies was both the most genetically divergent and the least genetically diverse of the subspecies. These genetic patterns were consistent with current and historical patterns of habitat continuity. Merriam’s populations showed a positive association between genetic and geographical distance, Rio Grande populations showed a weaker association and the eastern populations showed none, suggesting differing demographic forces at work in these subspecies. We recommend managing turkeys to maintain subspecies integrity, while recognizing the importance of maintaining regional population structure that may reflect important adaptive variation.
ISSN:0962-1083
1365-294X
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-294X.2002.01467.x