Genetic variability in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Journal of Mammalogy
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Abstract
Tissue was obtained from 59 manatee (Trichechus manatus) carcasses salvaged from 20 counties in Florida. Allozyme phenotypes at 24 structural loci were determined by gel electrophoresis. Averages for the proportion of polymorphic loci and mean heterozygosity were 0.300 (range, 0.167-0.417) and 0.050 (range, 0.028-0.063), respectively. These estimates are equivalent to or higher than those generally reported for other species of marine mammals and do not support the hypothesis that body size and heterozygosity in mammals are related inversely. Among-region gene diversity accounted for only 4% of the total diversity. High rates of gene flow probably account for genetic homogeneity across regions. An F-statistic analysis revealed a general tendency toward excess homozygosity within regions. Management efforts to prevent future reductions in population size that would erode existing genic diversity should continue.
Suggested Citation
McClenaghan, L.R., O'Shea, T., 1988, Genetic variability in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus): Journal of Mammalogy, v. 69, no. 3, p. 481-488, https://doi.org/10.2307/1381339.
ISSN: 1545-1542 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Genetic variability in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus) |
| Series title | Journal of Mammalogy |
| DOI | 10.2307/1381339 |
| Volume | 69 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 1988 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Society of Mammalogists |
| Publisher location | Provo, UT |
| Description | 8 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Mammalogy |
| First page | 481 |
| Last page | 488 |