| Recognition of the distribution of genetic variation in populations is expected to benefit conservation efforts. Quantifying the amount of deleterious genetic variation present in a population allows prediction of the effect of inbreeding and small population size. Recognizing how neutral genetic variation is distributed geographically can prevent the mixing of evolutionarily independent units.; Unfortunately, estimating the amount of deleterious genetic variation within populations is difficult. This is typically done by observing the impact of inbreeding on fitness, but statistical method usually used to do this with pedigree data is flawed. A maximum likelihood alternative is described and the two methods are tested with simulation. Simulation demonstrated that the maximum likelihood method is superior. The traditional model of the effect of inbreeding upon viability is extended to show that inbreeding has not lowered viability of two captive breeding programs of endangered North American wolves. Limitations of pedigree analysis are discussed in this context and through simulation. In particular, the difficulty of estimating the effect of inbreeding in breeding programs designed to minimize inbreeding is explored. The complexities of understanding the effect of inbreeding upon a captive population is illustrated by a thorough analysis of the Speke's gazelle (Gazella spekei) breeding program. This breeding program is widely recognized as an example of selection removing deleterious genetic variation from a population, but analysis showed that traditional explanations are not consistent with the data. Alternative explanations are discussed.; Genetic variation at ten microsatellite loci in 13 populations of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is characterized in a region inhabited by three putative subspecies of sheep. Abundant genetic variation is found. Inferred phylogenetic relationships between study sites do not correspond to taxonomy. Instead genetic differentiation is correlated with geographic separation. |
