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Genetic differentiation among cottontails from isolated playa basins

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Abstract

Protein variation in 182 Sylvilagus floridanus from 19 playa basins in Castro Co., Texas was examined using starch-gel electrophoresis. Heterozygote deficiencies were noted for all populations. This heterozygote deficiency may be due to differential selection against heterozygous individuals over the winter months. Results of F-statistics indicated a significant degree of population differentiation at six loci. Nei's genetic distance between populations ranged from 0.20 to 0.388 and a significant association between genetic distance and linear geographic distance among playas was found. These results suggest that genetic exchange and long-distance dispersal may be hindered by expanses of unsuitable habitat.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 79409, Lubbock, TX, USA

    R. A. Van Den Bussche, M. J. Hamilton & R. K. Chesser

  2. The Museum, Texas Tech University, 79409, Lubbock, TX, USA

    R. A. Van Den Bussche, M. J. Hamilton & R. K. Chesser

  3. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, 29801, Aiken, SC, USA

    K. T. Scribner

Authors
  1. R. A. Van Den Bussche
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  2. M. J. Hamilton
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  3. R. K. Chesser
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  4. K. T. Scribner
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Van Den Bussche, R.A., Hamilton, M.J., Chesser, R.K. et al. Genetic differentiation among cottontails from isolated playa basins. Genetica 75, 153–157 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055259

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055259

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