Association of migration versus geography for VPS13A genotypes in Vermivora warblers
Restricted (Penn State Only)
Author:
Salunkhe, Avani
Area of Honors:
Biology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
David Toews, Thesis Supervisor Benoit A Dayrat, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
migration molecular ecology avian migration
Abstract:
Avian migration has been studied extensively to find genetic regions associated with related behaviors. The previously found VPS13A gene may be associated with migration direction in different populations of Vermivora warblers; however, this association may also be correlated to breeding location. To untangle this, our study sampled a location – Fort Drum, NY – where Vermivora species extensively hybridize. We also used V. chrysoptera samples from Great Lakes and Appalachian breeding regions to compare VPS13A variation across migratory routes. We used a process of blood sampling, DNA extraction, PCR, and RFLP assay to genotype this locus across Vermivora warblers. We found further association of the VPS13A gene and migratory direction, as indicated by statistically significant high FST between Fort Drum populations with different migratory routes and intermediate results across breeding populations of V. chrysoptera. This may have conservation implications, as certain migratory routes are correlated with higher population-specific declines. Further study of this gene’s role in Vermivora and other species may provide further insight into genetic influences on migratory behavior.
