[Diagnostic prospects for using multilocus DNA markers in systematizing wild hooved animals (Artiodactyla)]

Area of Science:

• Molecular Genetics
• Wildlife Genomics
• Population Genetics

Context:

• Assessing genomic variation and differentiation in wild ungulates is crucial for conservation and evolutionary studies.
• Traditional methods may not fully capture the nuances of genetic diversity within species.
• The Cervidae family (deer) provides a suitable model for evaluating molecular markers in wild ungulates.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy of three molecular genetic DNA markers for studying genomic variations and differentiation in wild ungulates.
• To compare the polymorphism levels and diagnostic power of DNA fingerprinting, taxonomic typing, and random amplification of polymorphic DNA by polymerase chain reaction (RAPD PCR).
• To analyze the genetic similarity and interspecies differentiation within the Cervidae family, particularly between European and Siberian roe deer.

Summary:

• Three DNA marker types were assessed: DNA fingerprinting, taxonomic typing, and RAPD PCR.
• Highest marker polymorphism was observed in roes (Capreolus spp.).
• RAPD PCR demonstrated the highest efficiency for diagnosing families, genera, and species, with results consistent with established Cervidae taxonomy. Genetic similarity between European and Siberian roe deer was discussed.

Impact:

• RAPD PCR is identified as a highly efficient tool for molecular genetic analysis and taxonomic classification of wild ungulates.
• The study provides a validated molecular approach for understanding genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships within Cervidae.
• Findings support the use of molecular markers in wildlife research for accurate species identification and conservation efforts.