House Mouse Colonization Patterns on Kerguelen Archipelago
Author Information
Author(s): Emilie A Hardouin, Jean-Louis Chapuis, Mark I Stevens, Jansen Bettine van Vuuren, Petra Quillfeldt, Rick J Scavetta, Meike Teschke, Diethard Tautz
Primary Institution: Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Biology
Hypothesis
Can a single colonization event lead to a stable population that resists further invasions?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the initial colonization of the Kerguelen Archipelago by house mice has resulted in populations that are resistant to further invasions.
Supporting Evidence
- Most mice on Kerguelen share the same mitochondrial haplotype.
- Two small islands show different mitochondrial haplotypes but share a major Y-chromosomal haplotype.
- The genetic data suggest that the mice from both primary invasions originated from related source populations.
Takeaway
Mice that first arrived on the Kerguelen Islands have made it hard for new mice to come in and take over.
Methodology
The study involved typing 18 autosomal and six Y-chromosomal microsatellite loci and obtaining mitochondrial D-loop sequences from mouse samples.
Limitations
The study's sampling was limited to specific islands and may not represent all populations.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) from various islands in the Southern Ocean.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website