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Selected Works of Michael Etnier
Article
Loss of genetic diversity in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) associated with the fur trade of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Molecular Ecology (2002)
  • Shawn Larson, The Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, USA,
  • Ronald Jameson, Western Ecological Research Center (Retired), 392 N 7th Street, Philomath, Oregon 97370, USA,
  • Michael Etnier, University of Washington
  • Melissa Fleming, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
  • Paul Bentzen, Dalhousie University
Link
Abstract
Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations experienced widespread reduction and extirpation due to the fur trade of the 18th and 19th centuries. We examined genetic variation within four microsatellite markers and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) d‐loop in one prefur trade population and compared it to five modern populations to determine potential losses in genetic variation. While mtDNA sequence variability was low within both modern and extinct populations, analysis of microsatellite allelic data revealed that the prefur trade population had significantly more variation than all the extant sea otter populations. Reduced genetic variation may lead to inbreeding depression and we believe sea otter populations should be closely monitored for potential associated negative effects.
Keywords
  • Ancient DNA,
  • Enhydra lutris,
  • Genetic diversity,
  • Microsatellites,
  • Population bottleneck,
  • Sea otter
Disciplines
Publication Date
October 1, 2002
DOI
10.1046/j.1365-294X.2002.01599.x
Publisher Statement
Copyright John Wiley & Sons
Citation Information
Shawn Larson, Ronald Jameson, Michael Etnier, Melissa Fleming, et al.. "Loss of genetic diversity in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) associated with the fur trade of the 18th and 19th centuries." Molecular Ecology Vol. 11 Iss. 10 (2002) p. 1899 - 1903
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael-etnier/22/