Evolutionarily Significant Units of Gray-Sided Vole (Myodes rufocanus) in Hokkaido, Japan

Issue Date

6-2011

Abstract

The gray-sided vole, Myodes rufocanus (= Clethrionomys rufocanus) is a widespread species in Hokkaido, Japan. We applied an integrative approach to determine adaptive and neutral genetic variation in the gray-sided vole populations to identify full or partial Evolutionarily Significant Units. We surveyed 38 mainland populations and six island populations. The mitochondrial DNA control region was analyzed for neutral genetic variation and cranial measurements were taken as a proxy for adaptive variation. Data on neutral genetic variation indicate that most island populations are differentiated from the mainland populations. The islands of Teuri and Yagishiri, Rishiri and, Kunashiri can be regarded as partial ESUs based on their unique haplotypes. Partial ESUs based on morphological features can be identified in the eastern part of mainland with populations from Akkeshi and Shibecha. A full ESU designation can be given to Daikoku Island based on its unique haplotype and unique morphological feature.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Science

ISSN

0031-7683

Volume

140

Issue

1

Page

41-50

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations, tables

Language

English

Subject

Adaptive variation, Esu, Mitochondrial dna, Morphometrics, Neutral genetic variation, Small mammal

Digital Copy

yes

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