Genealogical concordance and the specific status of Peromyscus sejugis

Article Abstract:

A study evaluates the specific validity and evolutionary history of Peromyscus sejugis by comparing sequence variation (ND3/ND4L/ND4) in mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) for both island populations of P. sejugis with that for 8 populations of P. maniculatus from mainland Baja California. The analysis confirms a low level of mtDNA divergence between the two species, but the genealogical concordance of morphological, chromosomal, microsatellite, and mtDNA haplotypes distinctiveness supports the conclusion that the two island populations of P. sejugis constitute independent evolutionarily significant units and together represent a phylogenetic species distinct from the P. maniculatus from Baja California.

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Unusually high reproductive effort by sage grouse in a fragmented habitat in north-central Washington

Article Abstract:

It is widely believed that productivity is the main factor influencing the population size of Tetraoninae, such as sage grouse. Factors that affect productivity include nest success, breeding success and fledgling success. Sage grouse have notably low probabilities of nesting success and renesting is unusual. Falling numbers of sage grouse in Washington prompted a study of nest timing and success. The study shows that sage grouse in Washington generally show more reproductive effort than birds in other regions, although the reasons why are unclear.

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Phylogenetic relationships among North American grouse inferred from restriction endonuclease analysis of mitochondrial DNA

Article Abstract:

A research study used the restriction enzyme analysis of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid approach to infer phylogenetic relationships among grouse in North America. The phylogeny was used to test hypotheses and study the complex reproductive behaviors and morphological features of grouse and ptarmigans. The molecular phylogeny showed that the tetraonines' complex reproductive systems develop independently. The behavioral and morphological specializations could evolve in a similar manner.

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