One Small Band: Troubleshooting a Genetic Study of Common Loons (Gavia immer) in Vermont
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2016-05
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Abstract
The common loon (Gavia immer) is an iconic species for North America. Populations in Vermont reached a low of 8 nesting pairs in 1978. Today the population contains over 80 nesting pairs. The population, due to this bottleneck, seems to be at risk of inbreeding. This puts the species at greater risk for genetic problems. During the summer of 2013 samples of eggshells and membranes were collected. DNA was extracted from these, as well as from historical samples, yielding over 75 samples of DNA. A nanospectrophotometer was used to verify the purity and concentration of these samples. Using primers previously used in loon genetic research PCR reactions where done on the samples to amplify specific DNA sequences. (In a PCR reaction you make a lot of copies of one area of DNA. This section of DNA is determined using the primers you add to the reaction.) Unfortunately, there was an unidentified source of interference in these reactions. A variety of techniques were done including adjusting the PCR cycle, primers changing, the addition of an enhancer and magnesium chloride and a variety of Taq polymerases. This work will be continued at Texas State University, there different DNA extraction methods will be used. There is also potential to work with Dr. McMillan from SUNY Buffalo to analyze her genetic data for loons all over the United States. This research has management implications as in Vermont many lakes have artificial nesting rafts for loons, which promote a larger breeding population. If the loons face genetic problems the use of these rafts will need to be evaluated.
Description
Thesis completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Alfred University Honors Program.
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Thesis
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Keywords
Honors thesis, Common loons, Genetics, Vermont