Identification and characterization of microsatellite loci in two socially complex old world tropical babblers (Family Timaliidae)

Kaiser, S. A., Danner, J.E., Bergner, L. and Fleischer, R. C. (2015) Identification and characterization of microsatellite loci in two socially complex old world tropical babblers (Family Timaliidae). BMC Research Notes, 8(1), 707. (doi: 10.1186/s13104-015-1684-9) (PMID:26597161) (PMCID:PMC4657276)

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Abstract

Background: Although the highest diversity of birds occurs in tropical regions, little is known about the genetic mating systems of most tropical species. We describe microsatellite markers isolated in the chestnut-crested yuhina (Staphida everetti), endemic to the island of Borneo, and the grey-throated babbler (Stachyris nigriceps), widely distributed across Southeast Asia. Both species belong to the avian family Timaliidae and are highly social, putatively cooperatively breeding birds in which helpers attend the nests of members of their social group. We obtained DNA from individuals in social groups breeding in Kinabalu Park, Malaysian Borneo. Results: We used a shotgun sequencing approach and 454-technology to identify 36 microsatellite loci in the yuhina and 40 in the babbler. We tested 13 primer pairs in yuhinas and 20 in babblers and characterized eight polymorphic loci in 20 unrelated female yuhinas and 21 unrelated female babblers. Polymorphism at the yuhina loci ranged from 3 to 9 alleles, observed heterozygosities from 0.58 to 1.00, and expected heterozygosities from 0.64 to 0.81. Polymorphism at the babbler loci ranged from 3 to 12 alleles, observed heterozygosities from 0.14 to 0.90 and expected heterozygosities from 0.14 to 0.87. One locus in the yuhina deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. We detected nonrandom allele associations between two pairs of microsatellite loci in each species. Conclusions: Microsatellite markers will be used to describe the genetic mating system of these socially complex species and to measure genetic parentage and relatedness within social groups.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This research was supported by a National Science Foundation Grant awarded to T. Martin, R. C. Fleischer, and E. Martinsen (DEB 1241041).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bergner, Dr Laura
Authors: Kaiser, S. A., Danner, J.E., Bergner, L., and Fleischer, R. C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:BMC Research Notes
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1756-0500
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMC Research Notes 8(1):707
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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