Genetic variation and gene flow in natural populations of Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).

Full article

Published:

Volume 44(2), December 1997. Pages 173-181.

Language:

Spanish

Original title:

Análisis de la variabilidad y flujo genético en poblaciones de Estornino Pinto (Sturnus vulgaris).

Keywords:

allozymes, Common Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, gene flow, genetic variability.

Abstract:

Genetic variation of Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was investigated in natural populations using 30 loci from 14 enzyme systems. Common Starling was found to have similar values of heterozygosity (Ho=0.090), percent of polymorphic loci (P=26.6%) and average number of alleles per locus (A=1.27) than other avian species. Interpopulation genetic diversity was about 3.9% of the total genetic diversity. The average estimate of Nm (gene flow) based on seven loci is 6.16, and shows a high gene flow among populations. Genetic distances among populations ranged from D=0.00 to D=0.04. Our results revealed that the Common Starling populations studied share a common gene pool.