Variation and Congruence of Microsatellite Markers for Peromyscus leucopus

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Abstract
A frequent challenge to ecologists and evolutionary biologists is the need to determine the genetic relationships among individuals, demes, and metapopulations. Genetic markers that provide sufficient resolution could be used to elucidate mating systems, determine parentage, and assess gene flow among populations. I developed a set of (CT)n, (GT)n, and (GATA)n microsatellite markers for the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus. Variation at six microsatellite loci was assessed for populations ranging from Maine to New Mexico (transect populations) and for a second set of populations in South Dakota. Alleles per locus ranged from 11 to 29. Alleles per locus per population ranged from 6.5 to 8.8, with an average of 7.3. Microsatellite data were congruent with allozymic, chromosomal, and other data in depicting asymmetrical gene flow between two chromosomal cytotypes. Discriminant function analysis of microsatellite data provided ≥92% correct classification to cytotype, 63% correct classification to populations within the transect from Maine to New Mexico, and 100% correct classification to populations in South Dakota. The ecological distribution of Peromyscus leucopus and the extensive ecological and genetic knowledge already established for this species, combined with the highly polymorphic microsatellite markers developed in this study, make this an excellent system for addressing questions relevant to ecology, behavior, evolution, and conservation biology.

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