Genetic Dispersal Patterns in Cetaceans: The Development of Dolphin, Whale, and Porpoise Subpopulations
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Authors
Sarman, Melissa
Issue Date
2014
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
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Abstract
Population genetics is the study of allelic distributions and frequency changes in populations. It has
been used to assess dispersal patterns within cetaceans. A literature review was conducted on
dispersal patterns and population genetics to determine dispersal patterns such as sex-biased
dispersal, philopatry, and subpopulations. The papers were examined for theories behind dispersal
patterns. It has been found that populations are highly subdivided in small areas, with female
philopatry. Even with female philopatry, there was no sex-biased dispersal in cetaceans. It was
expected that distance would determine dispersal patterns in cetaceans, but this was not always true
as illustrated by species with discretely different sub-populations within 30km of each other. It was
found that oceanographic barriers, prey specialization, and social structure were thought to effect
dispersal patterns the most.
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In Copyright(All Rights Reserved)