Genetic Heterogeneity and Differentiation Resulting from Sichuan Pheasant('Phasianus colchicus strauchi') Introductions in Southern Michigan

摘要

Levels of genetic heterogenity and differentiation were estimated among fourpopulations of common pheasants (Phasianus cholchus) in southern Michigan collected from 1991-1993 using starch gel electrophoresis. The pure Sichuan (P.c. strauchi)(n=37) gene pool was evaluated by sampling the captive breeding stock housed at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Mason Wildlife Facility. Free-ranging ring-necked (P.c. torquatus)(n=48), and populations that received Sichuan (Sichuan Release, n=60) or a mixture of Sichuan x ring-necked hybrids (Mixed Release, n=45) constituted the remaining three populations. Estimates of observed (H-bar obs) and expected (H-bar exp) heterozygosity and inbreeding coefficient, F(IS), were calculated. Allelic and genotypic data were compared to morphological (neck ring) data. Gene flow from the captive Sichuan into the release populations appeared to be substantial as evidenced by the genetic identity measures. Sichuan and Mixed Release populations were intermediate to the Captive Sichuan and Ring-necked populations. Diagrams incorporating the morphological data showed a different pattern. F(ST) averaged 0.298 suggesting that 70% of the total genetic variation was within populations, while 30% was distributed among populations.