Variation and congruence of microsatellite markers for Peromyscus leucopus

A frequent challenge to ecologists and evolutionary biologists is the need to determine the genetic relationships among individuals, demes, and metapo pulations. Genetic markers that provide sufficient resolution could be used to elucidate mating systems, determine parentage, and assess gene flow amo ng populations. I developed a set of (CT)(n), (GT)(n), and (GATA)(n) micros atellite markers for the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus. Variation at six microsatellite loci was assessed for populations ranging from Maine to New Mexico (transect populations) and for a second set of populations i n South Dakota. Alleles per locus ranged from 11 to 29. Alleles per locus p er population ranged from 6.5 to 8.8, with an average of 7.3. Microsatellit e data were congruent with allozymic, chromosomal, and other data in depict ing asymmetrical gene flow between two chromosomal cytotypes. Discriminant function analysis of microsatellite data provided greater than or equal to 92% con ect classification to cytotype, 63% correct classification to popul ations within the transect from Maine to New Mexico, and 100% correct class ification to populations in South Dakota. The ecological distribution of Pe romyscus leucopus and the extensive ecological and genetic knowledge alread y established for this species, combined with the highly polymorphic micros atellite markers developed in this study, make this an excellent system for addressing questions relevant to ecology, behavior, evolution, and conserv ation biology.