Molecular identification of a Mandrillus hybrid using mitochondrial DNA
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1993 |
Authors: |
J. N. Painter, R. H. Crozier, M. Westerman |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
captive management, cytochrome b, polymerase chain reaction, sequencing |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430120406.abs The purity of the Melbourne Zoo mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) population has been questioned, based on the facial coloration of the female members. Consequently, it is believed that the original founding female of the Melbourne Zoo “mandrill” population was a drill–mandrill hybrid. This individual, whose mother was suspected to be a drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus), is the only female to have contributed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to the population. The strictly maternal inheritance of mtDNA in vertebrates makes this molecule an ideal marker for the tracing of maternal gene flow. DNA sequence data from a 307-base pair (bp) region of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b, amplified via the poly-merase chain reaction (PCR), was obtained from the Melbourne Zoo individuals, and compared to the homologous sequences from known specimens of both mandrill and drill. The results obtained show that all current members of the “mandrill” population possess drill mtDNA, supporting the belief that the original female founder was a hybrid. This type of genetic study has significant implications for the conservation and future management of this and other captive populations. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.