Genetic variability in South African blue wildebeest (Connochaetes oaurinus)
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Published on: March 13, 2011
J P Grobler1, F H Van der Bank
1Sanlam Research Unit for Environmental Conservation, Rand Afrikaans University, Republic of South Africa.
Abstract:
1. We use protein gel-electrophoresis to investigate genetic heterogeneity at 33 protein coding loci in a total of 46 blue wildebeest (C. taurinus) kept under different management regimes. 2. Average heterozygosity ranged from 2.14 to 4.3% and within-population differences accounted for 97.2% of total relative gene diversity. 3. Comparatively little divergence was found between animals sampled from populations with very diverse population sizes and management histories, with the largest genetic distance estimated between any two populations being only 0.0021. 4. We discuss our results with particular emphasis on the influence of management history on genetic diversity and divergence in C. taurinus.
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