Fine-scale genetic correlates to condition and migration in a wild cervid.

ABSTRACT: The relationship between genetic variation and phenotypic traits is fundamental to the study and management of natural populations. Such relationships often are investigated by assessing correlations between phenotypic traits and heterozygosity or genetic differentiation. Using an extensive data set compiled from free-ranging mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), we combined genetic and ecological data to (i) examine correlations between genetic differentiation and migration timing, (ii) screen for mitochondrial haplotypes associated with migration timing, and (iii) test whether nuclear heterozygosity was associated with condition. Migration was related to genetic differentiation (more closely related individuals migrated closer in time) and mitochondrial haplogroup. Body fat was related to het

SUBMITTER: Northrup JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4211723 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature