Mitochondrial DNA Variability of the Gray Wolf: Genetic Consequences of Population Decline and Habitat Fragmentation

摘要: The gray wolf is a large, highly mobile predator whose original geographic range included most of the Northern Hemisphere. High rates genetic exchange probably characterized even distantly-separated populations in past, but recent population declines and habitat fragmentation have isolated previously contiguous populations, especially Old World. We examine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variability among twenty-six wolves from throughout their range. find eighteen mtDNA genotypes wolves, seven these are derived hybridization with coyotes, four confined to New World, six World one shared by both areas. Genetic differentiation significant small magnitude. In localities single unique genotype, whereas several occur at three five nearly ubiquitous. pattern contrasts that another vagile canid, coyote, which not widely separated localities. suggest difference between two species reflects rapid, increase coyote numbers expansion range, coincident decline populations. Apparent differences extant may be phenomenon reflecting rather than long history isolation. El lobo gris es un predador grande y altamente mobil cuyo distribucion geografica abarcaba la mayor parte del Hemisferio Norte. Es muy probable que en el pasado, altas tasas de intercambio genetico caracterizaran, incluso, poblaciones distantes. Sin embargo, recientes declinaciones poblacionales fragmentacion han aislado antiguamente se escontraban, contiguas, especialmente Viejo Mundo. Examinamos variabilidad ADN mitocondrial 26 lobos existentes lo largo toda su area geografica. Encontramos 18 genotipos grises, estos 7 son derivados hibridacion con 4 estan confinados al Nuevo Mundo, 6 Mundo uno esta presente ambas La diferenciacion genetica entre significativa pero pequena magnitud. En mayoria las localidades tienen unico genotipo especifico para cada loalidad, mientras poseen varios genotipos, tres los cinco aproximadamente cosmopolitas. El patron contrasta conaquel otro canido movil, cual no incluso casode Sugerimos diferencia estas dos especies refleja rapido reciente incremento numero declinacion grises ocurrio coincidentemente. actualidad, puede ser fenomeno refleja, antes una historia aislamiento genetico, poblacional habitat.